Atlanta, May 2, 2024 – The portrait of the Honorable Hugh P. Thompson, former Chief Justice of the Supreme Court of Georgia, will be presented in a special ceremony on Thursday, May 23, 2024, at 2 p.m. in the Supreme Court courtroom.

Current Chief Justice Michael P. Boggs will accept the portrait on behalf of the Supreme Court. The portrait artist is Suzanne Royal.

“Chief Justice Thompson’s distinguished career in public service was personified by the professionalism, kindness, and courtesy he extended to all,” Chief Justice Boggs said. “His treatment of others and his commitment to the rule of law bolstered the stability and integrity of our bench and improved public trust and confidence in our courts. We are deeply indebted to him for his service.”

Justice Thompson, a native Georgian and resident of Milledgeville, was appointed to the Supreme Court by then-Gov. Zell Miller in 1994. He retired from the bench in early January 2017, seven months before his term as Chief Justice was scheduled to end and at the time two additional justices were added to grow the bench from seven to nine. Justice Thompson said at the time that he wanted to ensure a smoother transition and fulfill a pledge he had made to the late Justice P. Harris Hines to give him more time as Chief Justice before his retirement in 2018.

In the decades prior to becoming a Justice of the Supreme Court, Justice Thompson served as a superior court judge in the eight-county Ocmulgee Judicial Circuit, having been appointed to that position by then-Gov. George Busbee in 1979. He fulfilled the role of Chief Judge of that circuit from 1987 to 1994.

Before becoming a superior court judge, Justice Thompson served as both Judge of the Milledgeville City Court and Judge of the Baldwin County Court (now known as the State Court) from 1971 to 1979. He also ran a general law practice from 1969 to 1979.

Justice Thompson earned his juris doctorate from the Mercer University School of Law in 1969. He also received his undergraduate education from Emory University and Oglethorpe University. Justice Thompson is married to Jane D. Thompson, a retired teacher and speech therapist. They have two adult sons.

Media are welcome to cover the presentation event. Any media planning to photograph, video, or broadcast the event should complete a request form online. The event also will be live-streamed on the Court’s website at gasupreme.us.