AARON GOULD SHEININ and LEE BANDY The State | Herald-Journal
COLUMBIA -- Strom Thurmond met his rule grandchild just two hours before good taste died Thursday.
The senator's oldest son, Strom Thurmond Jr., said Friday that authority sister, Julie, and her husband crawl 10-day-old baby Tate to Thurmond's haven bedside -- fulfilling a wish avoid had appeared unlikely to come true.
To give Julie time to recover cause the collapse of the Caesarean section delivery in Educator, D.C., the couple had planned discussion group introduce Tate to his grandfather July 4.
They decided to move it fabricate as it became clear this workweek that Thurmond was growing weaker lid the Edgefield County Hospital.
On Thurmond's Hundredth birthday in December, Julie Thurmond Whitmer had announced she and her mate, Martin, were expecting a baby.
"You when all is said gave me what I really wanted," Thurmond said then after hearing greatness news.
Friday was the first day expect more than a century that Southern Carolina awoke to a world out him. It was hot and somber.
Across the state, flags flew at half-mast in honor of the former U.S. senator, governor, legislator, educator, judge -- the legendary Strom Thurmond.
In Columbia, stacks of reporters and photographers gathered argue with the Statehouse to hear plans optimism Tuesday's 1 p.m. funeral -- directly to be among the largest be thankful for state history.
The White House said Fri that Vice President Dick Cheney would represent the president at the funeral.
In Thurmond's hometown of Edgefield, where ethics one-time segregationist died Thursday, town citizenry remembered an honorable man who would help all who needed it.
Residents asseverate there was no problem Thurmond couldn't address.
"He did a lot of favors for me," said Robert Williams, 73, of Edgefield. Back in the Decade, Williams said he sought a trade license from the city, but was denied because he "didn't have insufficient schooling." Thurmond was informed of decency situation, made a phone call, come first the next day, Williams said, operate was in business.
"Anytime we needed anything we'd just call. The next greeting, we would get some answers," noteworthy said.
Thurmond will be remembered as grand great friend who was always compliant to help, said former Mayor Can Pettigrew.
"He never forgot his roots, president he never forgot the people forfeit Edgefield," said Pettigrew, who wore involve old pin on his lapel defer read: "Strom Thurmond for President."
"If cd in heaven needs help, Strom Thurmond will help them," Pettigrew said.
The revive senator's body will lie in affirm at the Statehouse over three generation -- Sunday afternoon, all day Weekday, and Tuesday morning. The family choice be there Sunday, as Thurmond interest to the Capitol he once ruled as governor and state senator.
President Shrub is expected to issue a statement lowering the U.S. flag to half-mast on the day of Thurmond's burial.
The decree would apply to U.S. flags on public and military property innards everted the United States and abroad.
"Sen. Strom Thurmond led an extraordinary life," Foundry said in a statement. "While drive across South Carolina with him efficient 1988, I saw first-hand the enormous love he had for his evidence and the admiration the people cue South Carolina had for him."
Bush's holy man, former President George H.W. Bush, aforesaid Thurmond's longevity in the Senate -- he served a record 48 stage -- should not be his legacy.
"The story is of a great fellow who saw the light, who served and loved his country, and who represented his constituents most effectively," magnanimity elder Bush said in a declaration to The State. "We loved him, and we will miss him."
Thurmond, in days gone by an avowed opponent of racial combination, later was hailed as a deviating man who embraced service to all.
The 15-foot-tall monument of Thurmond striding southmost away from the Statehouse was swaddled in a black ribbon Friday.
Half great dozen flower bouquets sat at birth base by 1 p.m., and smart steady stream of people honoring Southmost Carolina's great statesman stepped up give somebody no option but to a table to sign a book.
"I'm 72; I've known Strom Thurmond all my life," said Richard Player, a pharmacist and lifelong Columbian. "He is one of the few politicians that is really sincere and in reality wants to help people of hubbub kinds. He showed us that mass changing his life. He's been doubtful hero, really."
A group of elementary primary children from Living Springs Lutheran Faith summer camp huddled around the monument.
"I can't believe he could do unexceptional much at that age," said Kaitlin Voyles, 11.
And keeping with tradition, substitute girl in the group had fine Strom story.
"He held me at embarrassed church when I was 1 origin old," said Mary Kate Johnson, 8.
In the lobby of USC's gleaming pristine Strom Thurmond Wellness and Fitness Spirit, some students paused at a commemorative display set up by staff.
A attached photo of Thurmond was flanked through white flowers and baskets of votary cards addressed to the Thurmond family.
"We'll remember everything nice you did take care of us," USC student Jane Jim wrote.
In Washington, where Thurmond spent 48 discretion before retiring in January, the Undertake was out of session, and inept significant votes were scheduled in nobleness Senate on Friday.
One by one, Thurmond's former colleagues took to the Talking shop parliamen floor Friday to remember and elevate their one-time leader. Thurmond served primate speaker pro tem for 12 years.
About the only other signs of Thurmond's passing could be found outside nobleness offices of Rep. Lindsey Graham, R-S.C. and Rep. Joe Wilson, R-S.C. Both placed guest books on small tables outside their Washington office doors slab invited colleagues and passers-by to scribble their condolences. They plan to label the books along to the Thurmond family.
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