U.S. Rep. Bill Young, R-Fla., dies at 82

BETHESDA, Md., Oct. 18 (UPI) -- Rep. Bill Young, R-Fla., a 21-term member of Congress, died Friday at Walter Reed National Military Medical Center in Bethesda, Md., his family said. He was 82.

The family said Young died of complications related to a chronic injury, NBC News reported.

Young, who represented Florida's 13th District, was elected in November to his 22nd term. He was the longest-serving Republican in the House, and was tied with New York Democrat Charles Rangel for third-most seniority in the body.

He served more than 50 years in public office, going to Congress after 10 years in the Florida State Senate, his official website said.

Young was born Dec. 13, 1930, in Harmarville, Pa., and moved to Florida at age 15.

A veteran of the Army National Guard, Young served as Chairman of the House Appropriations Subcommittee on Defense at the time of his death. He was also a member of the Appropriations Subcommittee on Military Construction and Veterans Affairs and the Appropriations Subcommittee on the Legislative Branch.

He served as chairman of the House Appropriations Committee from 1999-2005.

Young is survived by his wife, Beverly, and three adult sons, Rob, Billy, and Patrick.