Frank “Sonny” Seiler, an attorney who owns the University of Georgia Famous “Uga” Bulldog Mascot Series and lead defense attorney in a notorious case chronicled in the book “Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil,” died Monday. He is 90 years old.
The university announced that Thaler died after a brief illness in his hometown of Savannah, Georgia.
The “Uga” tradition began in 1956 when Saylor and his wife, Cecilia, took their English Bulldog to a season-opening football game at the request of then-coach Wally Butts.
Since then, Saylor and his family have continued to produce a series of mascots for the Georgia football program, including now “Uga XI.” The burly dogs have received widespread acclaim, including appearing on the cover of Sports Illustrated.
“Mr. Cyler was a dear friend who I cherish and will miss him greatly,” Georgia State athletic director Josh Brooks said in a statement. “He has been an iconic figure at the University of Georgia for nearly 70 years. Because of his generosity, Uga is the most popular and recognizable mascot in all of college sports. We are deeply indebted to him for creating the A legacy that will last for years to come.”
Thaler’s fame extends beyond the court, most notably as lead defense attorney for Savannah antiques dealer Jim Williams, who was tried four times in the 1981 killing of his lover and ultimately was acquitted.
The case was at the center of John Berendt’s 1994 bestseller, Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil, which introduced the world to the diverse and eclectic cast of Georgia’s historic coastal city. The book was later adapted into a 1997 film directed by Clint Eastwood, in which Saylor played the presiding judge.
A member of the Screen Actors Guild of America, Saylor also starred in the 1998 films “The Gingerbread Man” and 2000’s “The Bug Vance Legend.” Additionally, he co-authored Damn Good Dog! “This book.
After earning a bachelor’s and law degree from the University of Georgia, Thaler joined the Savannah law firm Bouhan Falligant in 1960 as a senior partner. He also served on the board of the Georgia Athletic Association and several other alma mater-related organizations.
“Sonny’s contributions to the University of Georgia as a student and as an alumnus were countless, and his devotion to his alma mater was unparalleled,” said University President Jerry Morehead. “His legacy will live forever in the history and tradition of this great institution.”
Seiler is survived by four children, seven grandchildren and a great-grandchild. With his wife of 59 years, Cecelia Died in 2014.
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