Sonny Perdue
Sonny Perdue 81st Governor of Georgia In office January 13, 2003 – January 10, 2011 Lieutenant Mark Taylor Casey Cagle Preceded by Roy Barnes Succeeded by Nathan Deal Member of the Georgia Senate from the 18th district In office 1991 – December 4, 2001 Personal details Born George Ervin Perdue III (1946-12-20) December 20, 1946 (age 68) Perry, Georgia, United States Political party Republican (1998–present) Other political affiliations Democratic (1992–1998) Spouse(s) Mary Ruff Alma mater University of Georgia Profession Agribusiness Veterinarian Religion Southern Baptist Signature Military service Service/branch  United States Air Force Rank Captain George Ervin "Sonny" Perdue III (born December 20, 1946) is an American politician who served as the 81st Governor of Georgia from 2003 to 2011. Upon his inauguration in January 2003, he became the first Republican Governor of Georgia since Reconstruction.