YORK, S.C. — Flags across South Carolina will be lowered to half-staff on Wednesday in honor of a man who represented South Carolina's 5th District for nearly 30 years.
Gov. Henry McMaster announced on Tuesday that he had ordered the flags atop the State Capitol to be lowered to half-staff from sunrise until sunset to honor former U.S. Rep. John Spratt. He also requested that the flags over state buildings and buildings across South Carolina be lowered to honor Spratt's legacy.
Family said he died on Saturday due to complications from Parkinson's disease.
McMaster joined major names in state and national politics in honoring the longtime figure in South Carolina. He called Spratt a "true statesman" defined by his "unmatched intellect, integrity, and kindness." Others who honored the former congressman included President Joe Biden, former President Bill Clinton, Senator Tim Scott, and South Carolina Democratic Party Chair Christale Spain.
The Associated Press reported that Spratt "rose through the ranks" after being elected in 1982. He became chairman of the House Budget Committee and the second-highest-ranking Democrat on the Armed Services Committee.
He was also credited for a key role in the Balanced Budget Agreement of 1997.
Visitation was held on Tuesday at First Presbyterian Church in York, South Carolina. A funeral is scheduled on Wednesday at 1 p.m. at the same church, followed by a burial service at Rose Hill Cemetery.