APRIL 6, 2019 [updated with funeral details] — Ernest Frederick “Fritz” Hollings, a transformative South Carolina governor who had a 38-year career as a pragmatic, action-oriented United States senator, died today of natural causes in his home on Isle of Palms, S.C., his family announced today. He was 97.
Tall with a shock of white hair, Hollings often mesmerized colleagues with wit, intelligence and a deep Charleston brogue. On the Senate floor and on the campaign trail, Hollings concentrated on a raft of national issues close to his heart, including early Senate victories to protect the environment, alleviate hunger and push for affordable health care early. As his public service continued, he concentrated on balancing the federal budget, arguing for fair trade policies, promoting economic opportunities and unlocking the telecommunications revolution that swept through the country in the last 20 years.
“Our father, Fritz Hollings, was dedicated to his family, the United States Senate and the people of South Carolina,” said his three surviving children, Michael M. Hollings of Columbia, S.C., Helen Hollings Reardon of Glenwood Springs, Colo., and Ernest F. Hollings III of Kissimmee, Fla. “He was a hero for us and millions of Americans. He was so honored to have served the people of this great state in the South Carolina House of Representatives, as lieutenant governor and governor, and as a member of the United States Senate.
“While we are heartbroken, we hope that in the coming days and weeks as we celebrate our father’s life, all South Carolinian’s will be reminded of his service to our state and nation. Continue reading “U.S. Sen. Ernest F. Hollings (1922-2019)”
APRIL 6, 2019 | “Our father, Fritz Hollings, was dedicated to his family, the United States Senate and the people of South Carolina. He was a hero for us and millions of Americans. He was so honored to have served the people of this great state in the South Carolina House of Representatives, as lieutenant governor and governor, and as a member of the United States Senate.
“While we are heartbroken, we hope that in the coming days and weeks as we celebrate our father’s life, all South Carolinians will be reminded of his service to our state and nation.”
— The Hollings family (Michael Hollings, Helen Hollings Reardon and Ernest Hollings III)
Former Vice President Joe Biden: “Fritz Hollings was a good man. A patriot who fought for this country in uniform and elected office. A friend who lifted me up when it mattered the most early in my career, and taught, as he’s done for generations of South Carolinians, how to live a life of purpose and service. Now rest peacefully, friend, once again with your beloved Peatsy.”
U.S. House Majority Leader Nancy Pelosi: “Deeply saddened to hear of the passing of Fritz Hollings: a giant of the Senate, a hero of South Carolina and a beloved statesman of great courage and conviction.”
U.S. Rep. Jim Clyburn: “America has lost a one of a kind statesman. Fritz Hollings was an astute politician who was motivated by service. He was truly devoted to advancing the cause of our democracy and bettering the lives all Americans.”
U.S. Sen. Lindsey Graham: “When it came to South Carolina, #FritzHollings could move mountains in the Senate and was a thought leader in the areas of commerce, appropriations, and defense. … And until his dying day, #FritzHollings was always advocating and urging for policies that would make our country strong. When it comes to Senator Hollings, they broke the mold.”
S.C. Gov. Henry McMaster: “One of South Carolina’s greatest lions roars no more. Fierce, bold, and robust – the sounds of Fritz Hollings’ vision and drive for the Palmetto State will continue to be heard by generations.”
Charleston Mayor John Tecklenburg: “Fritz Hollings was truly a man in full – a history-making governor, a titan of the US Senate, and a peerless friend to all who were fortunate enough to know him. Our state and nation have lost a real giant.”
Former Charleston Mayor Joseph P. Riley Jr.: “South Carolina’s had many outstanding public servants, but he was the best and most consequential. He was honest and courageous. He did what he thought was right without regard to political consequence. He would have been a fine president because he had natural executive skills, and we saw that in his service as governor. But he approached his job in the Senate so robustly, for us in South Carolina, we had a tireless worker on our behalf.”
Former S.C. Gov. David Beasley: “Fritz Hollings showed me from the first time I ran for the South Carolina House in 1978 – a campaign he helped me with — that politics could be an honorable calling. He cared deeply about the people of South Carolina and he made an incredible mark on our history. Business leaders all over the world know of South Carolina’s technical colleges, and that would not be the case if it weren’t for Fritz Hollings, who helped create them.”
U.S. Sen. Fritz Hollings, the oldest United State senator, turns 97 on Jan. 1, 2019. First elected to the Senate in 1966, he retired in 2005 and lives on Isle of Palms, S.C.
A Charleston native, Hollings served 56 years in public service as an officer during World War II, a state representative in South Carolina, lieutenant governor and governor before election to the U.S. Senate.
Tall with a shock of white hair, Hollings often mesmerized colleagues with wit, intelligence and a deep Charleston brogue. On the Senate floor and on the campaign trail, Hollings concentrated on a raft of national issues close to his heart, including early Senate victories to protect the environment, alleviate hunger and push for affordable health care early. As his public service continued, he concentrated on balancing the federal budget, arguing for fair trade policies, promoting economic opportunities and unlocking the telecommunications revolution that swept through the country in the last 20 years.
