G. Mennen Williams
1911–1988 (age 77)
Biography
G. Mennen Williams, known affectionately as 'Soapy,' served as Michigan's governor from 1949 to 1961 and earned a reputation for championing civil rights and educational opportunity during a transformative era in the state.
Following the governorship he continued to serve the nation as assistant secretary of state for African affairs, U.S. ambassador to the Philippines, and an advocate for young leaders, leaving behind a record of principled, lifelong public service.