Griffin Bell Dead at 90

Former U.S. Attorney Griffin Bell, 90, died Monday morning in Atlanta after a battle with pancreatic cancer.

Bell, former attorney general of the United States during the Jimmy Carter administration, was a towering figure in the nation’s legal field for decades. As a senior partner with King & Spalding LLP, Bell represented controversial clients such as tobacco firms. The American College of Trial Lawyers even renamed its Committee on Unpopular Causes after Bell.

Bell celebrated his 90th birthday on Oct. 31, a milestone doctors didn’t think he’d reach. He was given two to five months to live nearly six months ago.

“I wouldn’t be disappointed if I died right away, but it’s nice to keep on living,” Bell said in December. “I’m thankful for the extra time I’m getting now.”

In recent months, Bell was touched by warm letters from people he met throughout his life. He’s had two long talks with former President Carter, and although they didn’t always agree, they always liked each other.