ATLANTA (AP) — Former Georgia Gov. Carl Sanders — known for his work on education and as a prominent member of the state's legal community — has died at age 89.

The chairman of the Atlanta law firm that Sanders founded says he died Sunday. Robert Webb says the former governor's family told the firm that Sanders fell at home on Friday and developed respiratory issues.

Sanders was a Democrat and served as governor from 1963 to 1967 after terms in the state House of Representatives and state Senate. Sanders made significant changes to the state's education system and took steps to improve Georgia's civil rights image.

Webb, of the firm Troutman Sanders, says Sanders' family plans a private ceremony Wednesday in Augusta and a memorial service Saturday at an Atlanta church.