LAGRANGE, Ga. — The City of LaGrange is mourning the loss of its beloved mayor, Willie T. Edmondson.
Officials with the City of LaGrange announced Edmondson's passing on Friday in a statement.
"Our thoughts and prayers are with his family and we are supporting them in any way we can during this time," the city said. "We ask the community to join us in keeping the family in your thoughts and prayers."
Last year, Edmondson was sworn in to office; he made history as the city's first Black mayor.
"As someone who made history, we will always remember and value his contributions," Gov. Brian Kemp wrote in part in a social media post.
One of Edmondson's goals as mayor was to help curb crime to make LaGrange safer. Back in September, police and city leaders announced several initiatives, including a youth violence prevention program.
As mayor, Edmondson also wanted to attract more industries and businesses to the city.
Prior to Edmondson being elected mayor, he served as a councilman for the City of LaGrange for 24 years. During that time, he helped officials bring the Great Wolf Lodge and The Thread Trail to the city.
He began his first position with the City of LaGrange in 1998.
Before working with the city, Edmondson started his career as a nurse at City-County Hospital, which is now Wellstar West Georgia Medical Center. He then became a pastor in the Christian Ministry at the Bethlehem Baptist Church.
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