Former Georgia Supreme Court Chief Justice Harold Clarke died on February 26 at the age of 85. (State Bar of Georgia)
ATLANTA -- Former Georgia Supreme Court Chief Justice Harold G. Clarke passed away Tuesday.
PHOTOS | Notable deaths in 2013
Clarke died peacefully with his family by his side, according to Georgia Supreme Court spokeswoman Jane Hansen.
He served on the state's high court from 1979 to 1994.
"Justice Clarke was not only a great jurist, but he was a quiet, strong leader of principle and the kindest man I have ever known," Hansen said in a statement. "On behalf of the Supreme Court of Georgia, all of the justices express our gratitude for his legacy and lifetime of service and purpose, and we extend our deepest sympathies to his family."