Former Congressman Jack Flynt Of Ga. Dies At 92; Twice Defeated Gingrich In 1970s

GRIFFIN, Ga. (AP) _ John ``Jack'' Flynt Jr., a 12-term congressman who in the 1970s twice beat political newcomer Newt Gingrich, died on Sunday. He was 92. <br/><br/>He died early Sunday at his

Sunday, June 24th 2007, 9:35 pm

By: News On 6

GRIFFIN, Ga. (AP) _ John ``Jack'' Flynt Jr., a 12-term congressman who in the 1970s twice beat political newcomer Newt Gingrich, died on Sunday. He was 92.

He died early Sunday at his home in Griffin, according to Haisten McCullough Funeral Home.

A silver-haired, small-town patrician who was part of the Democratic establishment when that party dominated Southern politics, Flynt served in Congress from 1954 until his retirement in 1979.

He served on a variety of committees, including Defense and Appropriations, and was chairman of the House ethics committee. He defeated Gingrich in 1974 and 1976 before he retired and his seat was filled by Gingrich, who went on to become speaker.

Flynt was also a cavalry officer, prosecutor and bank founder. In 2001, the state Department of Transportation named a 17-mile section of state Highway 16 after him.

During World War II, he joined the U.S. Army Reserve, was aide-de-camp to Brig. Gen. Robert W. Grow in France and was awarded the Bronze Star medal in 1944.

He was also a longtime member of the National Rifle Association and gave the keynote address at the group's annual meeting in 1958