Harris Hines

Preston Harris Hines (September 6, 1943 – November 4, 2018) was the chief justice of the Georgia Supreme Court in the United States for a span which began in 2017 and ended in 2018.

Early years and education Preston Hines was born on September 6, 1943, in Atlanta, Georgia, to James and Edith Hawkins Hines and graduated from Henry W. Grady High School. Hines received his bachelor's from Emory University in 1965 and his J.D. degree from Emory University School of Law in 1968.

Hines was elected Chief Justice by his colleagues in September 2016. He announced his intent to retire on August 31, 2018. On April 17, 2018, Harold Melton was elected as Hines' successor, and he was sworn in by Hines on September 4, 2018.

Death and legacy Hines died in a single-car accident on Interstate 85 in Atlanta, on November 4, 2018, just over two months after retiring from the bench. His funeral was attended by hundreds, including many prominent members of the Georgia legal community, judiciary, state and federal officials, as well as both the Governor and Governor-elect. He was 75.