Rare Lester Maddox Signed 'If I Go to Jail' Album LP Pickrick Georgia Governor. Georgia's Governor Lester Maddox, who was the owner and operator of a small diner before becoming the state's governor, was a segregationist. Maddox was notorious for his refusing to allow his restaurant in the 1960s to be integrated and he carried an axe handle, threatening to use it. Maddox served as Governor of Georgia from 1967-1971 and as Lieutenant Governor (1971-1975) under Governor Jimmy Carter.