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W. Fred Orr and Fred Orr II Papers
Descriptive Summary | |
| Title: W. Fred Orr and Fred Orr II Papers | |
| Creator: Orr, W. Fred, 1913-1985 | |
| Creator: Orr, Fred, 1941-2010 | |
| Inclusive Dates: 1965-2006 | |
| Language(s): English | |
| Extent: 1 box(es) (0.50 linear feet), including 17 photographs | |
| Collection Number: RBRL299ORR | |
| Repository: Richard B. Russell Library for Political Research and Studies | |
| Abstract: The W. Fred Orr and Fred Orr II Papers consists of papers, clippings, and photographs documenting the activities of W. Fred Orr and his son, Fred Orr II. In particular, the collection includes papers regarding the 1983 case of the GSEA vs. Governor George Busbee, challenging an early pension granted by the trustees of the Employees Retirement System based on Busbee's contention that his constitutional inability to run for re-election was an "involuntary separation" as a state employee. Fred Orr II represented the GSEA in the case. The GSEA was successful in its challenge of Busbee's claim, as well as influenced permanent change in state legislation. The collection also includes certificates, photographs, and clippings detailing the career of Fred Orr II with his involvement with the Walt Russell campaign for Dekalb County Commissioner as well as clippings detailing his own attempt to run for Dekalb County Commissioner in 1970. This collection also includes clippings detailing Orr's role as cross-examiner for the defense team for Mayor Bill Campbell's criminal trial. | |
Collection Description
Biographical Note
Wilson Fred Orr was born January 29, 1913 in Atlanta, Georgia. Orr attended the Atlanta Law School for one year and served as an Army postal clerk for two years during World War II, as well as worked for the Postal Service, the Veterans Administration, and the National Labor Relations Board. In 1956, he began working as a manpower engineer with the State of Georgia Labor Department. In 1974, Orr founded and became the first executive director of the Georgia State Employees Association (GSEA), an independent organization for employees of the state of Georgia which represented the interests of state employees, including fighting for better salaries and fair labor legislation. Orr retired from the GSEA in 1982 and passed away on May 2, 1985. The GSEA merges into the Service Employees International Union (SEIU) in 1985.
W. Fred Orr II was the son of W. Fred Orr. He was born on July 5, 1941 in Atlanta, Georgia and attended Emory Law School. After graduating from law school, Orr began practicing law with the firm of Swertfeger, Scott & Pike before opening his own law firm (Orr & Joyner, then Orr & Federal). In 1976, Orr partnered with James G. Edwards II to form Orr and Edwards, Attorneys at Law, P.C., where he practiced law until his death in 2010. Orr specialized in complex civil litigations and jury trials. He served as an Adjunct Professor Law at Emory Law School, as an instructor at the National Institute for Trial Advocacy, and as a frequent speaker at continuing legal education seminars. He was an active member of several professional organizations such as the State Bar of Georgia, Atlanta Bar Association, and Association of Trial Lawyers of America. Orr ran two unsuccessful campaigns for office in the 1970s, first, for Dekalb County Commissioner, and second, for Georgia State Senate.
Scope and Content
This collection includes papers, clippings, and photographs documenting W. Fred Orr's activities with the GSEA. In particular, the collection includes records regarding the 1983 case of the GSEA vs. Governor George Busbee and Fred Orr II's involvement with the Walt Russell for Dekalb County Commissioner campaign and clippings detailing his own campaign for Dekalb County Commissioner and his role as a cross-examiner for the defense team for Bill Campbell's criminal trial.
Organization and Arrangement
This collection is organized based on papers related to W. Fred Orr and Fred Orr II.
Administrative Information
Preferred Citation
W. Fred Orr and Fred Orr II Papers, Richard B. Russell Library for Political Research and Studies, University of Georgia Libraries, Athens, Georgia, 30602-1641.
User Restrictions
Library acts as "fair use" reproduction agent.
Copyright Information
Before material from collections at the Richard B. Russell Library may be quoted in print, or otherwise reproduced, in whole or in part, in any publication, permission must be obtained from (1) the owner of the physical property, and (2) the holder of the copyright. It is the particular responsibility of the researcher to obtain both sets of permissions. Persons wishing to quote from materials in the Russell Library collection should consult the Director. Reproduction of any item must contain a complete citation to the original.
Finding Aid Publication
Finding aid prepared on: 2012.
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