List of people from Columbus, Georgia

Last updated

The following list includes notable people who were born or have lived in Columbus, Georgia .

Contents

Arts and culture

NameImageBirthDeathKnown forAssociationReference
Bo Bartlett Dec 29, 1955 Realist painterBorn in Columbus [1]
Megan Blake Miss Georgia 1983Born in Columbus
Bob the Drag Queen (Caldwell Tidicue)June 22, 1986 Drag queen and comedian, won season 8 of RuPaul's Drag Race Born in Columbus, studied theater at Columbus State University -
Wayne Brady Wayne Brady 2010.jpg Jun 2, 1972Actor, singer, comedian, and television personalityBorn in Columbus
Davian Chester Me 2023.jpg May 27, 1993Political cartoonistBorn in Columbus [2]
Juliette Compton Juliette Compton, promo photo 1931.JPG May 3, 1899Mar 19, 1989ActressBorn in Columbus
Donna D'Errico Donna D'Errico OnlyFans.jpg Mar 30, 1968Actress and model; Playmate of the Month (September, 1995); Donna Marco on Baywatch (1996 to 1998)Graduate of Pacelli High School in Columbus (1986) [3]
Marina Savashynskaya Dunbar Jul 17, 1992PainterLived in Columbus
Justina Huff Justina Huff (Aug 1914).png Sep 8, 1893Jun 29, 1977Silent film actress ( The Diamond Crown , Tess of the d'Urbervilles)Born in Columbus [4]
Louise Huff Louise Huff.jpg Nov 14, 1895Aug 22, 1973Silent film actress (Great Expectations, Mile-A-Minute Kendall, Disraeli)Born in Columbus [5]
Nunnally Johnson Nunnally-Johnson-1939.jpg Dec 5, 1897Mar 25, 1977 Academy Award-nominated filmmaker (The Grapes of Wrath, The Man in the Gray Flannel Suit )Born in Columbus, graduated from Columbus High School (1915) [6]
Sherrilyn Kenyon Dec 11, 1965#1 New York Times and international bestselling author (Dark-Hunters, League, Chronicles of Nick, Lords of Avalon series)Born in Columbus, attended Key Elementary School
Carson McCullers Carsonmccullers.jpg Feb 19, 1917Sep 29, 1967Writer ( The Heart Is a Lonely Hunter , The Member of the Wedding , and The Ballad of the Sad Café )Born in Columbus [7]
Robert Parrish Jan 4, 1916Dec 4, 1995 Academy Award- winning editor for Body and Soul (1947), directed Casino Royale (1967)Born in Columbus [8]
George Foster Peabody Pach Brothers - George Foster Peabody.jpg Jul 27, 1852Mar 4, 1938Banker and philanthropist; namesake of the Peabody Award Born in Columbus [9]
James Rachels May 30, 1941Sep 5, 2003Philosopher, focusing on ethics and animal rightsBorn in Columbus [10]
Amy Sherald Aug 30, 1973Best known for her portrait of First Lady Michelle ObamaBorn in Columbus
Mary Ann Williams Mary Ann Williams.jpg Aug 10, 1821Apr 15, 1874First to propose an annual holiday to decorate soldiers graves (Memorial Day)Lived in Columbus-

Music

NameImageBirthDeathKnown forAssociationReference
Robert M. Barr 19181988Conductor of the Jordan High School Band in Columbus (1946–1963)Lived in Columbus; chorus director in Fort Benning [11]
Jean Carn Mar 15, 1947Singer; vocalist credited with a five octave vocal rangeBorn in Columbus
Robert Cray RobertCray.jpg Aug 1, 1953Five-time Grammy Award-winning blues guitarist and singerBorn in Columbus
Justin Guarini Justin Guarini.jpg Oct 28, 1978Singer, songwriter, and actor; runner-up on American Idol season 1 (2002)Born in Columbus [12]
Jake Hess Dec 24, 1927Jan 4, 2004 Grammy Award-winning southern gospel singerLived in Columbus [13]
Dmitri Matheny Dec 25, 1965Jazz flugelhornist, composer, educator, producer and recording artistGrew up in Columbus [14]
Marilyn McCoo Marilyn McCoo 1996.jpg Sep 30, 1943 Pop singerLived in Columbus for seven years [15]
Curley Money CurleyMoney01.jpg Mar 20, 1925Dec 23, 2003 Rockabilly musician and songwriterLived in Columbus [16]
Bebo Norman Bebo Norman.jpg May 29, 1973 Contemporary Christian musicianLives in Columbus [17]
Ma Rainey MaRainey.jpg Apr 26, 1886Dec 22, 1939Among the earliest known professional blues singers; billed as The Mother of the Blues Born in Columbus [18]
Herrman S. Saroni Feb 1824Dec 29, 1900Author, composer and inventor credited with starting the Columbus Symphony OrchestraLived in Columbus [19]
Keni Thomas KeniThomas.jpg Country music singer and United States Army Ranger Lives in Columbus [20]
Rozonda Thomas (a.k.a. Chilli)Feb 27, 1971Singer-songwriter, actress and television personality; founding member of girl group TLC Lives in Columbus[ citation needed ]
Danny Whitten May 8, 1943Nov 18, 1972Musician and songwriter, known for his work with Neil Young's band Crazy Horse Born in Columbus [21]
Blind Tom Wiggins Blind Tom LCCN2002712734 (cropped).jpg May 25, 1849Jun 14, 1908African-American musical prodigy on the pianoOwned as a slave in Columbus [22]
Tim Wilson Aug 5, 1961Feb 26, 2014 Stand-up comedian and country music artistBorn and died in Columbus [23]

Business

NameImageBirthDeathKnown forAssociationReference
Claud A. Hatcher Claud A. Hatcher.jpg Aug 20, 1876Dec 31, 1933Pharmacist; inventor of RC Cola beverages Lived in Columbus [24]
Randolph Mott RLMott.jpg Aug 9, 1799Jul 20, 1881Businessman, unionistLived in Columbus [25]
John Pemberton John Pemberton.jpg Jul 8, 1831Aug 16, 1888Pharmacist; inventor of Coca-Cola Lived in Columbus [26]
Robert W. Woodruff Robert Winship Woodruff, President of the Coca-Cola Company.jpg Dec 6, 1889Mar 7, 1985President of The Coca-Cola Company (1923–1954)Born in Columbus [27]

Military

NameImageBirthDeathKnown forAssociationReference
Henry L. Benning Henry L. Benning.jpg Apr 2, 1814Jul 10, 1875Judge on the Georgia Supreme Court; Confederate Army general; namesake of Fort Benning Born and died in Columbus [28]
Eugene Bullard Eugene Jacques Bullard, first African American combat pilot in uniform, First World War.jpg Oct 9, 1895Oct 12, 1961First African-American military pilotBorn in Columbus [29]
William Calley William Calley Jr.jpg Jun 8, 1943 United States Army officer convicted of ordering the My Lai Massacre Lived in Columbus

Politics and activism

NameImageBirthDeathKnown forAssociationReference
Bubba Copeland May 27, 1974Nov 3, 2023Mayor of Smiths Station, Alabama (2016–2023)Born in Columbus
Newt Gingrich Newt Gingrich by Gage Skidmore 7.jpg Jun 17, 194358th Speaker of the United States House of Representatives Graduated from Baker High School in Columbus (1961) [30]
Petra Kelly Nov 29, 1947Oct 1, 1992Founder of German Green PartyGraduated from Baker High School in Columbus (1966) [31]
Mirabeau B. Lamar Mirabeaulamar 2.jpg Aug 16, 1798Dec 19, 18592nd President of the Republic of Texas Lived in Columbus and founded the Columbus Enquirer newspaper [32]
Ted J. Land Aug 22, 1936Mar 31, 2018Member of the Georgia State Senate 1979–1991Represented Marion, Talbot, and portions of Muscogee counties
Bobby G. Peters Feb 21, 1949Mayor of Columbus, Georgia 1995–2002Lived in Columbus, graduated from Hardaway High School (1967); also a Superior Court judge [33]
Nikema Williams Rep. Nikema Williams official photo, 117th Congress.jpg Jul 30, 1978 U.S. representative for GeorgiaBorn in Columbus [34]

Sports

Baseball

NameImageBirthDeathKnown forAssociationReference
Reggie Abercrombie S1051254 Reggie Abercrombie.jpg Jul 15, 1981Center fielder for Florida Marlins and Houston Astros Born in Columbus [35]
Glenn Davis Mar 28, 1961Two-time All-Star first baseman for the Houston Astros, Baltimore Orioles, and Hanshin Tigers Lives in Columbus; Columbus City Council member [36]
Tim Hudson Tim Hudson on July 10, 2014.jpg Jul 14, 1975Four-time All-Star pitcher for the Oakland Athletics, Atlanta Braves, and San Francisco Giants Born in Columbus [37]
Garey Ingram Jul 25, 1970Second baseman for the Los Angeles Dodgers Born in Columbus [38]
Edwin Jackson Edwin Jackson on June 23, 2012.jpg Sep 9, 1983 All-Star pitcher for MLB teams; World Series champion (2011)Attended Shaw High School in Columbus [39]
Brian Mallette Jan 19, 1975Relief pitcher for the Milwaukee Brewers and Osaka Kintetsu Buffaloes Attended Columbus State University [40]
Tony Pierce Jan 29, 1946Jan 31, 2013Pitcher for the Kansas City/Oakland Athletics Lived and died in Columbus; Attended Jordan High School in Columbus [41]
Colby Rasmus Colby Rasmus April 2014.jpg Aug 11, 1986Center fielder for the St. Louis Cardinals and Toronto Blue Jays Born in Columbus [42]
Cory Rasmus Nov 6, 1987Pitcher for the Atlanta Braves and Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim Born in Columbus [43]
Steven Register May 16, 1983Relief pitcher for the Colorado Rockies and Philadelphia Phillies Born in Columbus [44]
Frank Thomas Frank Thomas 1997 CROP.jpg May 27, 19682014 Hall of Fame Inductee – Five-time All-Star first baseman for the Chicago White Sox, Oakland Athletics, and Toronto Blue Jays; Two-time AL MVP (1993, 1994)Born in Columbus [45]

Basketball

NameImageBirthDeathKnown forAssociationReference
Sam Mitchell Sep 2, 1963 NBA Coach of the Year Award (2007) for the Toronto Raptors; assistant coach for the Milwaukee Bucks, New Jersey Nets and Minnesota Timberwolves Born in Columbus [46]

Bodybuilding

NameImageBirthDeathKnown forAssociationReference
Lenda Murray Feb 22, 1962Bodybuilding champion[ citation needed ]

Football

NameImageBirthDeathKnown forAssociationReference
Derrius Brooks May 29, 1988Defensive back for multiple teamsBorn in Columbus [47]
Brentson Buckner Sep 30, 1971Defensive tackle for the Pittsburgh Steelers, Cincinnati Bengals, San Francisco 49ers, and Carolina Panthers Born in Columbus, graduated from G.W. Carver High School [48]
Isaiah Crowell Jan 8, 1993Running back for the Cleveland Browns Born in Columbus, graduated from G.W. Carver High School
Rod Hood Oct 3, 1981Cornerback for six NFL teamsBorn in Columbus, graduated from G.W. Carver High School [49]
Chris Hubbard Apr 23, 1991Offensive guard for the Pittsburgh Steelers Born in Columbus; graduated from G.W. Carver High School
Chuck Hurston Nov 9, 1942Nov 3, 2015Defensive end for the Super Bowl IV champion Kansas City Chiefs Born in Columbus
Jarvis Jones Jarvis Jones.jpg Oct 13, 1989Outside linebacker for the Pittsburgh Steelers Graduated from G.W. Carver High School in Columbus
Mark LeGree Mark LeGree.JPG Jul 8, 1989Safety for seven NFL teamsAttended Pacelli High School in Columbus
Kelcie McCray Sep 21, 1988Free safety for the Miami Dolphins, Tampa Bay Buccaneers, and Kansas City Chiefs Born in Columbus
Dell McGee Sep 7, 1973Run game coordinator & running backs coach for the Georgia Bulldogs Born in Columbus
DeQuan Menzie Jan 11, 1990Cornerback for the Kansas City Chiefs, Detroit Lions, and Carolina Panthers Born in Columbus, graduated from G.W. Carver High School [50]
Nate Odomes Aug 25, 1965Cornerback for the Buffalo Bills, Seattle Seahawks, and Atlanta Falcons; 2× Pro Bowl (1992, 1993)Born in Columbus, graduated from G.W. Carver High School [51]
Rayshun Reed Apr 10, 1981Defensive back for the San Francisco 49ers Born in Columbus
Steve Reese Jan 7, 1952Linebacker for the New York Jets, Tampa Bay BuccaneersBorn in Columbus
Otis Sistrunk Otis Sistrunk.jpg Sep 18, 1946Defensive end for the Oakland Raiders; Pro Bowl Born in Columbus [52]
Mack Strong Sep 11, 1971Fullback for the Seattle Seahawks; 2× Pro Bowl (2005, 2006)Attended Brookstone School in Columbus [53]
Cleo Walker Feb 7, 1948Linebacker for the Green Bay Packers and Atlanta Falcons Born in Columbus [54]

Soccer

NameImageBirthDeathKnown forAssociationReference
Josh Casarona Apr 12, 1992DefenderBorn in Columbus [55]
Duane Holmes Nov 6, 1994Midfielder; United States international Born in Columbus [56]
Marshall Leonard Dec 29, 1980DefenderAttended both Shaw High School and Brookstone School in Columbus [57]

Wrestling

NameImageBirthDeathKnown forAssociationReference
Marty Jannetty Marty Jannety.jpg Feb 3, 1960 World Wrestling Federation wrestler; member of The Rockers tag teamBorn in Columbus
Xavier Woods Austin Creed.jpg Sep 4, 1986 WWE wrestler[ citation needed ]

References

  1. "Bo Bartlett". Newswise, Inc. Retrieved March 26, 2013.
  2. Gunn, Olivia (June 21, 2019). "Columbus native receives high recognition for creating Google doodle in honor of Juneteenth". www.wtvm.com. Retrieved March 20, 2024.
  3. "Donna D'Errico". Notable Names Data Base. Retrieved March 26, 2013.
  4. Bellware, Daniel (Fall 2016). "Those Huff Girls". Muscogiana. Columbus State University.
  5. Bellware, Daniel (Fall 2016). "Those Huff Girls". Muscogiana. Columbus State University.
  6. Stempel, Tom (1980). Screenwriter, The Life and Times of Nunnally Johnson . A. S. Barnes. pp.  20. ISBN   978-0-498-02362-0.
  7. "Carson McCullers". Notable Names Data Base. Retrieved March 27, 2013.
  8. Parrish, Robert (1976). Growing Up in Hollywood. Harcourt Brace Jovanivich. p. 3. ISBN   0-15-137473-2.
  9. "George Foster Peabody". rjohara.net. Retrieved March 27, 2013.
  10. "Alma Thomas". National Museum of women in the Arts. Retrieved March 27, 2013.
  11. "Robert M. Barr". High School Band Directors National Association. Retrieved March 26, 2013.
  12. "Justin Guarini". Notable Names Data Base. Retrieved March 26, 2013.
  13. "Jake Hess". Southern Gospel History. Retrieved March 26, 2013.
  14. "Dmitri Matheny". azcentral.com. Retrieved March 27, 2013.
  15. "Marilyn McCoo & Billy Davis, Jr" . Retrieved October 26, 2021.
  16. "Curley Money". AlabamaMusicOffice.Com. Retrieved March 27, 2013.
  17. "Bebo Norman". Starpulse.com. Retrieved March 27, 2013.
  18. "Ma Rainey". Notable Names Data Base. Retrieved March 27, 2013.
  19. "Columbus Symphony Orchestra History". Columbus Symphony Orchestra. Retrieved December 7, 2019.
  20. "Keni Thomas". Gainesville.com. Retrieved March 27, 2013.
  21. "Danny Whitten". Rovi Corp. Retrieved March 27, 2013.
  22. "Blind Tom Wiggins". BlackPast.org. February 13, 2008. Retrieved March 27, 2013.
  23. Fernandez, Maria Elena (February 27, 2014). "Comedic country singer Tim Wilson dies at 52". NBC News. Today . Retrieved August 26, 2014.
  24. "About RC Cola International: Our History" . Retrieved September 11, 2014.
  25. Bellware, Daniel (April 2003). "The Last Battle. Period. Really". Civil War Times Illustrated. 42: 48–56.
  26. "John Stith Pemberton". University of Georgia Press. Retrieved March 27, 2013.
  27. "Robert W. Woodruff". University of Georgia Press. Retrieved March 27, 2013.
  28. "Henry L. Benning". Benning-Cobb-Russell Family of Georgia. Retrieved March 26, 2013.
  29. "Eugene Bullard". University of Georgia Press. Retrieved March 26, 2013.
  30. "Newt Gingrich". Notable Names Data Base. Retrieved March 26, 2013.
  31. https://peopleinaction.com/petrakelly/
  32. President Mirabeau B. Lamar, tsl.state.tx.us; retrieved March 2008
  33. "Superior Court Judges". Columbus Georgia Government. Retrieved December 28, 2019.
  34. "WILLIAMS, Nikema". Biographical Directory of the United States Congress. Retrieved July 11, 2025.
  35. "Reggie Abercrombie". Baseball Reference.com. Retrieved March 26, 2013.
  36. "Glenn Davis". Jacksonville.com. Retrieved March 26, 2013.
  37. "Tim Hudson". Notable Names Data Base. Retrieved March 26, 2013.
  38. "Garey Ingram". Baseball Reference.com. Retrieved May 22, 2013.
  39. "Edwin Jackson". Baseball Reference.com. Retrieved March 26, 2013.
  40. "Brian Mallette". Baseball Reference.com. Retrieved May 22, 2013.
  41. "Tony Pierce". Baseball Reference.com. Retrieved May 22, 2013.
  42. "Colby Rasmus". Baseball Reference.com. Retrieved March 27, 2013.
  43. "Cory Rasmus". Baseball Reference.com. Retrieved May 22, 2013.
  44. "Steven Register". Baseball Reference.com. Retrieved May 22, 2013.
  45. "Frank Thomas". Baseball Reference.com. Retrieved March 27, 2013.
  46. "Sam Mitchell". Basketball Reference.com. Retrieved March 27, 2013.
  47. "Derrius Brooks". nfl.com. Retrieved September 8, 2014.
  48. "Brentson Buckner". Pro-Football Reference. Retrieved March 26, 2013.
  49. "Roderick Hood". NFL Enterprises LLc. Retrieved March 25, 2013.
  50. "DeQuan Menzie". Alabama Crimson Tide. Archived from the original on March 10, 2013. Retrieved March 27, 2013.
  51. "Nate Odomes". NFL Enterprises LLC. Retrieved March 27, 2013.
  52. "Otis Sistrunk". Pro-Football Reference. Retrieved March 27, 2013.
  53. "Mack Strong". Pro-Football Reference. Retrieved March 27, 2013.
  54. "Cleo Walker". Pro-Football Reference. Retrieved March 27, 2013.
  55. "#16 Josh Casarona". Atlanta Silverbacks FC . Archived from the original on October 17, 2011. Retrieved March 20, 2025.
  56. "Duane Holmes". United States Soccer Federation . Retrieved June 13, 2025.
  57. "Marshall Leonard". Virginia Cavaliers Men's Soccer. Retrieved March 26, 2013.