Charles James Driebe

Charles J. (Chuck) Driebe, a former City of Atlanta Alderman, one of the leaders in the reformation of the State Bar of Georgia, and an attorney whose passion was solving problems and working in local, state and national electoral politics, died Tuesday at the age of 77.

Known for his quick wit, sharp legal mind, dry, wise-cracking humor and brilliant analytical skills, he was a lifelong “Yellow Dog” Democrat, and an early supporter of a little-known candidate for Governor named Jimmy Carter. He attended every Democratic National Convention since the 1968 Chicago Convention during the height of anti-Vietnam War and civil rights period.

Born Nov. 11, 1933 of Lebanese-Catholic descent, Chuck was a native of the Pocono Mountains of Pennsylvania and moved to Georgia while serving in the Army as an MP at Ft. McPherson. He attended Temple University before enlisting in the Army. Even though he lacked a college degree, Chuck was accepted into the University of Georgia School of Law and graduated first in his class. He then clerked for the Georgia Court of Appeals, became the first president of the Younger Lawyers Division of the State Bar of Georgia, and played a key role in establishing the code of ethics and self-discipline for the State Bar of Georgia. Chuck pursued his dream to “get right into the courtroom and represent people.” He opened his own law practice near the Clayton County Courthouse – then a distant outpost in a much smaller Metro Atlanta area. He was appointed to the Board of Aldermen (now City Council) by Atlanta Mayor Sam Massell.

Featured on the cover of the 2007 American Bar Association Journal, Chuck also served as the Editor-in-Chief of Solo, the magazine of the General Practice, Solo and Small Firm division of the ABA. He was a member of the Board of Governors of the State Bar of Georgia until the time of his death. In spite of a devastating diagnosis of both cancer and ALS two years ago, he continued to practice law and was in his office – solving a client’s problem - as recently as last week.

A passionate Georgia Bulldogs football fan and a longtime member of the Inquiry Club, Chuck loved playing doubles tennis every Sunday at Bitsy Grant Tennis Center. But he often said that his greatest joys in life – surpassing football, tennis, law and politics – were his grandchildren.

He is survived by: his wife of 23 years Gail Dubrof Driebe; children Charles James (Caroline Bridges) Driebe Jr., of Atlanta; Mitchell Ward (Lauren Hall) Driebe of Flagstaff, AZ; Anne Driebe (Peter) Vari of Davidson, NC; and Elizabeth Mobley Driebe (Nancy Sullivan), of Flagstaff, AZ; grandchildren Thomas and Charles Driebe; Charlotte and Griffin Vari; and Eleanor and Edward Sullivan; and his former wife Norma Mobley Driebe of Atlanta. Following cremation, services will be held on Monday, March 7 at 2 p.m at H.M. Patterson, Spring Hill, in Midtown Atlanta. The family will receive friends and guests at Patterson beginning at 1p.m. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to the Emory ALS Center or the MDA Association, ALS Division.