One of the county’s most people-friendly leaders passed away early Friday morning.

Fayette County Commissioner A.G. VanLandingham, 69, died at his home after battling cancer for nearly two years.

The family will receive visitors at C.J. Mowell and Son’s Funeral Home on Jeff Davis Drive in Fayetteville Saturday evening from 5 to 8 p.m.

The funeral is on Sunday, Dec. 4, 2005, at 3 p.m. at Liberty Baptist Church on Ga. Highway 314.

Interment is at New Hope United Methodist Church in Clayton County.

The news created a wave of sadness over the county’s administrative complex Friday.

“He worked every day. He really liked talking to his constituents and trying to help them with their problems,” said executive assistant Carol Chandler.

VanLandingham was elected in 2000 and won re-election in 2004 with no opposition. After learning of his death, the Board of Commissioners released a statement Friday afternoon.

“It is with great sorrow that we have learned of the death of our fellow County Commissioner and friend, A.G. VanLandingham. Certainly his family is in our thoughts and prayers as they grieve this devastating loss.

“Our community has lost a dedicated leader and a fine citizen. It has been an extreme honor and a privilege to have known A.G. and to serve with him on the County Commission. Those who have known him will remember how he worked in earnest to improve the lives of those around him, both publicly and privately. As a public servant, he worked daily to preserve and protect the quality of life we in Fayette County enjoy. Serving in his second term, he was first elected in 2000 and ran again unopposed in 2004.

A.G. VanLandingham was a man of strong faith who led his life true to his convictions and devoted to his beloved family. Fayette County is a better place because of him. We are better people because we have known him. We will miss him.”

While in office, VanLandingham served on several committees, including the National Association of Counties Health Steering Committee. He also was a member and past Vice Chair of the Association of County Commissioners of Georgia Health and Human Services Committee.

Other organizations he served included Atlanta Regional Commission Regional Leadership Institute and he was the current Chairman of the Association of Fayette County Governments.

Vanlandingham grew up in Columbus, but lived in Fayette County for more than 30 years.

Flags were lowered Friday in honor of his service to the community.

Chandler said a special election will have to be called to fill out the rest of his term, which ends in 2008.

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