PERRY, Ga. — A long-serving sheriff from Georgia, who started his tenure during the Nixon administration and the popularity of bell-bottom jeans, has passed away at the age of 92.

H. Cullen Talton Jr. was first elected sheriff of Houston County in 1972, having previously held a position as a county commissioner. He spent over five decades in law enforcement, making a significant impact in the community he served.

Talton’s death occurred at his residence on Saturday, as confirmed by Houston County Captain Matt Moulton in an official statement. Just days prior, the Georgia Sheriff’s Association announced that Talton had entered hospice care. He had plans to retire soon, leading to an upcoming election this November to find his successor.

Governor Brian Kemp acknowledged Talton’s dedication in a statement, expressing gratitude for his commitment to the safety and well-being of the community. He described Talton as a cherished figure in Georgia’s law enforcement landscape over the years.

Houston County, located approximately 100 miles southeast of Atlanta, has a population of around 172,000 residents, many of whom benefited from Talton’s leadership throughout his extensive career.