People from the Grand Strand and beyond Tuesday continued to mourn the loss of one of the state's most prominent tourism leaders.

The Myrtle Beach Area Chamber of Commerce received flowers and many questions about chamber President Ashby Ward, 66, who was found dead Monday in his home.

"It's been amazing," said Stephen Greene, chamber spokesman. "His spirit and everything he's done has had such an impact - not only here but statewide and nationally."

Goldfinch Funeral Home, which is handling funeral arrangements, gave the chamber a book in which people can sign their names and write messages to honor Ward, which many did Tuesday.

People can visit the chamber's Oak Street office today to sign it. The office probably will be closed Thursday, chamber officials said.

Gov. Mark Sanford issued a statement Tuesday, saying Ward was a "remarkable South Carolinian."

"I can't think of anyone who's done as much to promote South Carolina as Ashby Ward," Sanford said. "We've lost a true leader and a tireless advocate for our state's economic interests, not to mention the fact that a whole lot of folks, myself included, have lost a good friend."