Sandersville native Hugh McMaster Tarbutton, longest-serving member and two-time chairman of the Georgia Ports Authority, died Wednesday in his hometown. He was 82.
A longtime railroad executive and president of The Sandersville Railroad Co., Tarbutton’s expertise in and devotion to the transportation industry extended to the state’s port system, which he recognized as crucial to Georgia’s economic future.
He was appointed and reappointed to the Ports Authority by four successive governors of both political parties and served as authority chairman during two periods of rapid growth and expansion.
“Growing up in Sandersville, I’ve considered Hugh a friend for my entire life,” said Gov. Nathan Deal.
“His obituary will tell of his business acumen and give many examples of his community service, which includes the time and expertise he devoted to the Georgia Ports Authority, to which I reappointed him in 2012.
“But to those of us who knew him, especially those of us from Sandersville, he was a real character - the kind of guy you always hope is sitting next to you at a dinner party,” Deal said. “He was charming, funny and a loyal friend. When I decided in 2009 to run for governor, Hugh was one of the first people I called. Without hesitation he expressed his support and never once wavered. You never forget or fail to appreciate someone like that.
“Hugh was a man whose stature was known statewide, so his passing is a loss not only for our shared hometown but also for all of Georgia. Sandra and I mourn his death, and we have reached out to the Tarbutton family and Hugh’s wife, Gena, to offer our prayers and condolences.”
Georgia Ports Executive Director Curtis Foltz said Tarbutton’s expertise, guidance and leadership were vital to the success of the ports.
“Mr. Tarbutton has been the face of the authority since before I got here. In fact, I don’t think I’d be here today if it were not for him. He was a mentor from the beginning, someone I could lean on and learn from when faced with key decisions. He was passionate about our ports and gave so much more than he was ever asked to give.
“His passing will leave a hole that I don’t think can ever be filled. But our port remains far stronger because of his wisdom and dedication,” Foltz said.
“Both the authority and I personally will miss him terribly.”
Jim Walters, current GPA chairman, agreed.
“A great Georgian has left us,” Walters said. “Mr. Tarbutton was a credit to this state, his community, his profession and his family. His service on the Ports Authority Board probably spans a time frame longer than any individual on record and that long record of service provided him with a unique perspective on the operation of the ports and its history.
“Personally, he was an inspiration to me. I enjoyed him as a colleague and more importantly as a friend and I will miss him immensely. God rest his soul.
“He was indeed the dean of the board.”
The funeral service for Hugh Tarbutton will be held at 11 a.m. Saturday at the Sandersville United Methodist Church. Burial will be private. The May and Smith Funeral Home in Sandersville is in charge of arrangements.