Special to the Herald
The Honorable Magistrate Judge Dr. Franklin Goldwire, is the first African American to serve as a magistrate judge in Effingham County Magistrate Court. He was appointed to his current post in August 2021 by the Honorable Judge F. Gates Peed, chief judge of the superior courts, judicial circuit, state of Georgia.
Following his appointment, Judge Goldwire received certification training in criminal- and civil magistrate court proceedings through the University of Georgia.
Dr. Goldwire is the son of Thelma Goldwire and the late Rubin Goldwire of Clyo. He is a lifelong resident of Effingham County and a 1965 graduate of Springfield Central High School. He received a BS in chemistry and education from Savannah State University in 1970.
He continued his education by completing a master’s degree in chemistry and education from Armstrong State University (now Georgia Southern) and Savannah State University joint graduate program in 1978. He completed doctoral studies in education administration at South Carolina State University in 1988. He was the first African American in Effingham County to earn a doctoral degree in education administration.
Dr. Goldwire’s career in Effingham County education spanned 30 years – first as a math and science teacher at Springfield Central Junior High School from 1973-1978; then principal from 1978-1996.
When South Effingham High School opened in 1996, Dr. Goldwire was appointed as the school’s first principal. South Effingham High was the first high school on the south side of the county to open in 40 years.
Military service
Dr. Goldwire’s military service began in 1970. He served more than 37 years and was commissioned as a second lieutenant in 1982. Among his many military awards are two bronze stars for combat service during the Vietnam War.
Dr. Goldwire was the first African American in Georgia to be selected as commander of a Georgia Air National Guard Geographic Separated Unit (GSU). He commanded the 283rd Combat Communication Squadron in 1995, in Savannah – the third largest Air National Guard unit in Georgia. The unit completed missions within Georgia and overseas. Dr. Goldwire completed three command tours.
He was selected by the US Air Force to serve as an inspector general to conduct investigations and resolve issues for the Army and Air National Guard. He served in this capacity for 12 years, retiring from military service in 2007 with the rank of Lieutenant Colonel.
In 2017, Dr. Goldwire was awarded the Effingham County Chamber of Commerce Treutlen Award, in recognition of his achievements and service to the Effingham County. He was the first African America to receive this award.
Dr. Goldwire is married to Dr. Cheryl Goldwire whom he credits as his greatest motivator, supporter, best friend, and “constant wind beneath my wings,” he said. “To God be the glory.”
The Goldwires have three sons: Dr. Franklin W. Goldwire, MD; Courtney Theoppolius Goldwire (deceased); and Seth C. Goldwire; and six grandchildren: Melissia, Franklin Jr. (deceased); Bryce; and Adeline, Glory, and Blythe.
