On behalf of the State Bar of Georgia, I am writing to extend condolences to the family, colleagues and many friends of retired Chief Justice George H. Carley after his passing Nov. 26.

A member of the Georgia Bar since 1961, Justice Carley served more than 19 years on Georgia’s highest court, including service as chief justice prior to his retirement in 2012. He previously served nearly 14 years as a judge on the Court of Appeals of Georgia, including a two-year term as chief judge. Prior to his appointment to the bench, Justice Carley practiced law in Atlanta and Decatur and served as a special assistant attorney general for the Georgia Department of Transportation. He also served in the Army Reserve and in the Georgia House of Representatives.