Roy LeCraw

Roy LeCraw (1895–1985) served part of one term as mayor of Atlanta, Georgia before resigning to join the U.S. Army at the beginning of World War II.

He was a self-confident insurance man and an officer in the National Guard.A charter member and the 1924 President of the Atlanta Junior Chamber of Commerce, he served as president of the Atlanta Chamber of Commerce starting in 1932 and ran for mayor in 1934, but was soundly defeated by James Key.The next mayor, William Hartsfield saw many of Atlanta's best business and professional people begin to leave the city for life in the suburbs and a labor-friendly candidate such as LeCraw became more popular.This caused Hartsfield to start the campaign to annex Buckhead but in September of 1941, LeCraw defeated Hartsfield by 111 votes.

His tenure was to be short-lived, however. He joined the Army, resigning his post in May of 1942 when pro tem mayor Lyle took over until a special election could be held on May 27th when Hartsfield defeated eight opponents.

LeCraw served in Europe and after the war he returned and ran again in 1945 but was defeated by Hartsfield.In 1948, he served as a state senator, and in 1954 lost a bid for the U.S. Congress.He served in Korea and received the Bronze Star.

In the 1960s, he raised money for and founded many Presbyterian churches in the various countries he had visited.

Honors

In 2002, a lamp was installed in his honor at 2970 Peachtree Road in Buckhead.

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