Strom Thurmond died at the Edgefield hospital that has been his home since he retired from the U.S. Senate in January. Strom Thurmond, Junior said his father died with his family surrounding him and without pain. Thurmond was the nations oldest and longest serving Senator. He served in the Senate for 48 years. Thurmond was South Carolina's governor from 1947 to 1951. Thurmond started his career as a Democrat. He ran unsuccessfully for president as a Dixiecrat in 1948. In 1954 Thurmond was elected to the U.S. Senate as a write-in candidate. He switched to the Republican party in 1966.
Strom Thurmond became one of South Carolina's most honored and respected figures. From humble beginnings in Edgefield to greatness at our nation's capitol, Strom Thurmond impacted many lives over his 100 years.