A recently retired county sheriff in Georgia who began serving his community when former President Jimmy Carter was still the state's governor has sadly passed away.

Former Houston County Sheriff Cullen Talton, who held that position for more than 50 years and was dubbed "America's longest-serving sheriff," died on Saturday at the age of 92, according to People magazine.

Numerous tributes and messages of condolences for his family have since been made in his honor.

Served from 1972 until earlier this year

The sad news was first shared on Facebook on Saturday by the Houston County Sheriff's Office, which said, "The family of Sheriff Cullen Talton and the Houston County Sheriff's Office are deeply saddened to announce that Sheriff Talton passed away peacefully this morning in his home."

"Please keep the Talton family in your thoughts and prayers," the post added.

According to local ABC affiliate WGXA, Cullen was first elected as the sheriff of Georgia's Houston County in 1972 and only retired from that long-held position in January of this year, when he issued an endorsement for his preferred successor, Capt. Matt Moulton, who is a candidate in next month's elections.

From dairy farmer to county sheriff

According to former Sheriff Talton's obituary, he "peacefully passed away" on Saturday, just a few days after his 92nd birthday, while "surrounded by his loving family."

Born in 1932 in Bonaire, Georgia, Talton grew up as a dairy farmer and first served his community as a county commissioner before he was elected as Houston County's sheriff in 1972.

He would go on to serve 13 terms in that office and had a reputation as a consummate professional and respected leader who earned numerous awards over his five decades of service.

Talton was preceded in death by his wife, Peggy Sears Talton, to whom he was married for 68 years, and is survived by their four children and two in-laws, four grandchildren, and 10 great-grandchildren, not to mention innumerable extended family members and close friends.

Remembered fondly by his governor and mayor

In a statement posted to X, Georgia Gov. Brian Kemp said he and his family were "saddened" by the news of the death of "America's longest-serving sheriff, and wrote, "For nearly 52 years, Sheriff Talton remained committed to serving and protecting the people of this community and became a beloved fixture of Georgia law enforcement."

"We will keep the Talton family, the Houston County Sheriff's Office, and all those made better by his public service in our prayers during this time," the governor added.

Also paying tribute to Talton was the City of Warner Robins Mayor LaRhonda Patrick, who said in a Facebook post, "Over the past three years, it has been a privilege to work alongside the legend and longest-serving sheriff in our country's history, Sheriff Cullen Talton. His commitment to the safety and well-being of Houston County has been unwavering, and his leadership has left an indelible mark on our community."

"Sheriff Talton’s legacy of service, integrity, and dedication will be deeply missed by all of us who had the honor of working alongside him. We are grateful for his years of steadfast leadership and the positive impact he’s made on countless lives," the mayor added. "I was honored to have an opportunity to get to know him and learn from him."