EDGEFIELD, S.C., June 27 (UPI) -- Strom Thurmond, a South Carolina Republican who was the longest-serving senator in history died Thursday at the age of 100.
Thurmond's death was announced to his former colleagues by Majority Leader Bill Frist, R-Tenn., who interrupted Senate debate on a Medicare bill to salute a man he called "a close friend." Thurmond had decided not to seek another term last fall and left the Senate in January.
Thurmond had been living in a hospital in Edgefield, the Washington Post reported. Frail and wheelchair-bound in his final years, Thurmond was a robust man for decades, proud of his ability to do dozens of pushups and harsh on aides who pursued unhealthy practices such as smoking.
Thurmond was a former state legislator, circuit judge, governor and a decorated veteran of World War II
He was a conservative icon for whom the key issues were national defense, fiscal responsibility, support for the family and strong law enforcement.
