Mr. Johnnie Lafayette Caldwell Sr. age 92 of Thomaston Ga, died Monday December 15, 2014 at Upson Regional Medical Center. Mr. Caldwell was born on August 10, 1922 in Taylor County Ga, to the late Johnnie William and Mattie Stalnaker Caldwell. He served his country in the U.S. Army's 3rd Artillery in Normandy during the Battle of the Bulge and the Capture of Berlin. After returning from the War, Mr. Caldwell and his wife established a successful restaurant business before he entered the Woodrow Wilson School of Law. Upon Graduation from law school in 1952 and passing the bar, Mr. Caldwell practiced law in Thomaston and Zebulon for many years. He was first elected to the Georgia House of Representatives in 1954 and served in that capacity until being elected to the statewide office of Comptroller General in 1970. As representative, Mr. Caldwell served as assisant Floor Leader for two Georgia Governors and was the first Chairman of the House Reapportionment Committee which dealt with the difficult task of reapportioning the General Assembly and the State's Congressional Districts. Mr. Caldwell also was instrumental in procuring the 3rd District Office Georgia Department of Transportation in Thomaston, as well as, The Georgia High School Association offices. Mr. Caldwell was the author of the Bill for the Inception of the Georgia Technical Colleges. Upon his election as Comptroller General, Mr. Caldwell also served as the State Insurance Commissioner and the State Fire Marshall. Under his leadership, the insurance industry in Georgia was largely reshaped in the early 1970's with the introduction and passage of legislation that offered more consumer protection including "no fault insurance." Much of the legislation enacted during Mr. Caldwell's first term was used as a model for other states and he was recognized as a leader among his national peers. He was twice elected President of the National Association of Insurance Commissioners. Mr. Caldwell retired as Insurance Commissioner in 1985 while serving his fourth term. He returned to Thomaston and again practiced law for several more years Mr. Caldwell was an active member of the First Baptist Church of Thomaston and served as the Builders Class Sunday School teacher for many years. Aside from his parents, Mr. Caldwell was preceded in death by his wife of nearly sixty years, Mrs. Martha Smisson Caldwell and a sister, Mrs. Inez C. Eubanks. Survivors include his daughters, Mrs. Patricia C. (Gary) Cox of Thomaston GA, Mrs. Barbara C. (Billy) Johnston of Thomaston GA; son, Mr. Johnnie L. (Rita) Caldwell Jr, of Thomaston GA; sisters, Mrs. Minnie C. Daniel of Thomaston GA, Dr. Hazel C. Cotney of Thomaston GA, and Mrs. Betty C. Sanders of Fayetteville GA; brother, Mr. E. B. Jack (Martha) Caldwell of Fayetteville GA. Grandchildren W.G. "Bill" Johnston, Dana C. Tracey, Ben B. Johnston, John G. Cox, David B. Cox, Christen C. Colwell, Johnnie L. "Jay" Caldwell III, Laura C. Kilby. Eleven great-grandchildren. Funeral Services will be held on Thursday December 18, 2014 at 2:00 p.m. from First Baptist Church of Thomaston. Burial will follow in Southview Cemetery. The family will receive friends at Coggins Funeral Home on Wednesday December 17, 2014 from 5-8 p.m. In lieu of flowers donations may be made to First Baptist Church of Thomaston at 208 South Church St. Thomaston Ga. 30286.