THOMASVILLE — The chief judge of the Southern Judicial Circuit announced Monday he will not seek re-election this year.

H. Arthur “Art” McLane’s announcement came four days before the qualifying period for seeking the judgeship ends. The qualifying period, which opened Monday, ends Friday.

McLane told the Times-Enterprise Tuesday he made his decision Sunday night.

“ ... I went on vacation last week and thought about it. .... In that sense, it was short notice,” he said.

McLane said that in December, he will have been on the bench for 35 years, a stint he considers ample.

He said he wants to spend time with his wife, Jane, and travel. He wants more time for family, friends and personal interests.

McLane, a Valdosta resident and father of two, said in a press release that he deeply appreciates unfailing support, encouragement and cooperation he has received from fellow judges and staff, members of the bar, public officials and the public.

“I have tried to serve the legal system to the best of my ability, and I plan, after his year, to be available on a part-time basis as a senior Superior Court judge,” he said in a press release issued Monday night.

McLane was judge of State Court of Lowndes County from 1974 to 1983.

David Miller, circuit district attorney since 1997, said McLane has been instrumental in bringing 21st century technology to Southern circuit courtrooms.

“He’s presided over a tremendous growth in the criminal caseload since he came on the bench,” said Miller, who has served in the district attorney’s office for 23 years.

McLane, 69, is a graduate of Valdosta High School, Emory University and the University of Georgia.

He is a member of Park Avenue Methodist Church in Valdosta, where he has held many offices and chaired a number of committees.

He has served as president of the Valdosta Bar Association, the Valdosta-Lowndes County Chamber of Commerce, Valdosta Rotary Club and the Council of Superior Court Judges of Georgia.

Among numerous other civic, fraternal and professional activities and honors, McLane also serves on the Valdosta Symphony board and received the 2002 Distinguished Citizen Award, Alapaha Council of the Boy Scouts of America.