Governor Edward T "Ned" Breathitt Jr. (1924 - 2003) was born in Hopkinsville, Kentucky

Governor Edward T "Ned" Breathitt Jr. (1924 - 2003) was born in Hopkinsville, Kentucky. . Elected the 51st Governor of Kentucky in 1963, Breathitt, at age thirty-eight, was one of the Commonwealth's most progressive, modern governors, ushering in a new wave of programs and reforms. Governor Breathitt was a champion of civil rights for all and worked tirelessly with African American clergy, community leaders and legislators to improve the lives of all Kentuckians. , , In 1966, Governor Breathitt signed the Kentucky Civil Rights Act into law, prohibiting discrimination in employment, housing and public accommodations, thereby making Kentucky the first southern state to pass a strong civil rights bill. , , Governor Breathitt also enacted innovative forestry and land conservation programs, education, mental health and human welfare initiatives and an expanded modern highway system. , , The state park system expanded during his term, most importantly as the state joined with the Tennessee Valley Authority to establish 170,000 acres known as Land Between the Lakes National Recreation Area, a great tourism development enjoyed by Kentuckians and people from across the United States, The Breathitt family has a long tradition of public service to KY. John Breathitt was Governor in 1832; his grandfather James Breathitt was Attorney General in 1907 and his uncle James Breathitt was Lt. Governor in 1927. , Governor Breathitt is buried in Riverside Cemetery. He never forgot the hometown he loved. .