Bell, Griffin Boyette Born October 31, 1918, in Americus, GA Died January 5, 2009, in Atlanta, GA Federal Judicial Service: Judge, U.S. Court of Appeals for the Fifth Circuit Received a recess appointment from John F. Kennedy on October 5, 1961, to a new seat authorized by 75 Stat. 80; nominated to the same position by John F. Kennedy on January 15, 1962. Confirmed by the Senate on February 5, 1962, and received commission on February 9, 1962. Service terminated on March 1, 1976, due to resignation. Education: Mercer University School of Law, LL.B., 1948 Professional Career: Private practice, Savannah, Georgia, 1948-1952 Private practice, Rome, Georgia, 1952-1953 Private practice, Atlanta, Georgia, 1953-1961, 1976, 1979-2009 Chief of staff, Gov. Ernest Vandiver, Georgia, 1959-1961 Attorney general of the United States, 1977-1979 Research Collections Oral History Bibliography