RUSSELLVILLE, Ark. (KTHV) – Republican State Senator Greg Standridge passed away on Thursday after a long battle with cancer.
The insurance agent was a member of the Arkansas State Senate for District 16. District 16 represents several counties including Newton and Pope as well as parts of Boone, Carroll and Van Buren county.
Standridge is from the Russellville area, graduated from Russellville High School and graduated from Arkansas Tech University.
He won a special runoff election in February of 2015 to succeed his fellow Republican, Michael Lamoureux who resigned the November prior to work for Governor Asa Hutchinson.
Standridge leaves behind his wife, Karen Sue Standridge and four children.
Many Arkansas legislators are offering their condolences on the passing of Standridge:
Governor Asa Hutchinson:
“I am saddened by the passing of Sen. Greg Standridge—a friend and dedicated public servant. I recently visited with Greg in his home, and even with his illness, he was a source of encouragement and strength. Greg served his community with distinction, and he loved his family most of all. Greg’s passing is a great loss for our state, and he will be missed.”
Lt. Governor Tim Griffin:
“I am deeply saddened by the passing of my friend Sen. Greg Standridge after his courageous battle with cancer. My thoughts and prayers are with his family during this difficult time. Greg was a tireless advocate, and this is a tremendous loss to our state. My heart also goes out to his friends and colleagues in the Senate as we grieve the loss of one of our own."
Sen. Jason Rapert:
So sad to hear of the loss of our friend Sen. Greg Standridge this morning. He was known as a devoted husband & father, talented businessman. He was Vice-Chair serving with me on the Insurance & Commerce Committee and fellow National Conference of Insurance Legislators member. Prayers for Karen & his family.
Attorney General, Leslie Rutledge:
I was saddened to learn of the passing of Sen. Greg Strandridge. Greg was a friend, a fighter & a man of faith. Not a day went by when he was not working to help his community. My prayers are with Karen, their children, his constituents and his colleagues in the AR Senate. #arpx
— Leslie Rutledge (@AGRutledge) November 16, 2017
Rep. Steve Womack:
Our hearts are broken to hear of the passing of Greg Standridge. This is a great loss to both the city of Russellville and our state. My thoughts and prayers are with Greg's family and friends during this difficult time.
— Rep. Steve Womack (@rep_stevewomack) November 16, 2017
U.S. Senator John Boozman:
“I'm incredibly saddened to learn Senator Standridge passed away after battling cancer. Greg answered the call to public service, admirably serving his constituents even through illness. My thoughts and prayers are with his loved ones as they mourn his loss and celebrate his life.”
Arkansas Insurance Department:
The Arkansas Insurance Department mourns the loss of an important member of our industry and #arleg, Sen. Greg Standridge of Russellville. Our thought and prayers go out to his family, colleagues, and friends. #arpx #Insurance pic.twitter.com/JvtCKOSmaI
— AR Insurance Dept. (@ARInsuranceDept) November 16, 2017