(The Center Square) – Georgia Labor Commissioner Bruce Thompson, hailed as a respected leader and passionate voice for the state, had died.
He was 59.
Thompson, in March, publicly shared his diagnosis of pancreatic cancer.
“A successful businessman and respected leader of his community, Bruce was a passionate voice for what he believed in throughout his year of service to the people of Georgia,” Gov. Brian Kemp said in a social media post. “We are thankful for that commitment to our state and, like so many others have been inspired by the strength and courage he showed over the past year in his fight against cancer.”
Thompson, who lived in Cartersville, served in the state Senate from 2013 to 2023 before taking the helm of the labor department. He authored the “Heartbeat Bill” and was named Legislator of the Year several times, according to a tribute on the department’s website.
“I had the honor of serving in the Senate with Bruce for several years and enjoyed getting to know him,” said Lt. Gov. Burt Jones. “He served his constituents well and always followed the word of the Lord.”
Thompson was one of the delegates to the Republican National Convention in July.
“I am so grateful for the time I got to spend with him this summer in Milwaukee and my final memory of introducing him to give a rally speech to our delegates to the RNC on a stage overlooking a beautiful lake before we traveled for the final night of the convention,” said Josh McKoon, chairman of the Georgia Republican Party. “Even then when I am sure he had to be tired he energetically fired up the crowd as he encouraged all of us to build a better America for our friends and neighbors.”
