Gates Peed, Chief Judge of the Ogeechee Judicial Circuit, announced his retirement from the bench in a letter to fellow attorneys and members of the Bulloch County Bar on Friday, February 9, 2024.
Judge Peed was elected in 2000 and began serving on the bench in January of 2001. His current term ends at the end of this year.
The letter reads in part:
"I will not declare for re-election to the office of Judge of Superior Court for the Ogeechee Judicial Circuit. It has been my honor, privilege, and pleasure to serve the citizens of the circuit with you. Please accept my thanks to you for all of your help and encouragement for these many years," said Judge Peed.
"My term will expire on December 31, 2024, when I will retire from active service. At that time, I hope to continue in periodic service as a Senior Superior Court Judge when and if called upon. Until that time, I will continue in my present capacity."
The Ogeechee Judicial Circuit is comprised of Bulloch, Effingham, Jenkins, and Screven Counties.
Prior to serving as a Superior Court Judge, Judge Peed served Bulloch County as the State Court Solicitor and State Court Judge.
After graduation from UGA with a B.B.A in 1976, he practiced as a CPA before returning to law school. He graduated with a J.D. from Mercer University, Walter F. George School of Law in 1982.
Qualifying will run from March 4 through 8, 2024, for this office and other local offices.
The election for this office will be on May 21, 2024.
