WARNER ROBINS, Ga. — Georgia will fly flags at the state capitol and in Houston County at half-staff on Wednesday to honor the life of America's longest-serving sheriff, an executive order from the governor's office says.
Houston County Sheriff Cullen Talton died on Saturday after nearly 52 years in office, and on Monday, Gov. Brian Kemp signed an executive order honoring Talton.
On Wednesday, flags at the State Capitol and in Houston County will be flown at half-staff to honor Talton's life, which is also when his funeral is scheduled for.
Kemp highlighted how Talton was elected in 1972, and in the executive order, Kemp says "It is fitting and proper to recognize Sheriff Talton's service to Houston County and the State and the State Capitol building by lowering the flags on the state capitol building and in Houston County to half-staff."
Talton entered hospice care on Wednesday after the sheriff's association executive director said his health "took a turn for the worse." Over the weekend, Talton would pass away peacefully at his home, according to Matt Moulton with the sheriff's office.
After Talton's death, Houston County Chief Deputy Billy Rape has taken over as interim sheriff, and he will finish out Talton's last term. Because there are fewer than six months since Talton's term would end, Rape will serve as sheriff until the next sheriff is sworn in next year.
Talton's funeral will be Wednesday at Southsi Baptist Chruch. He'll be buried privately with his family.