Greg Standridge, an Arkansas state senator and self-storage owner, died Nov. 16 after a battle with cancer. Standridge was a Russellville, Ark., native who owned Access Mini Storage and co-owned Coffman Standridge Inc. insurance agency in his hometown. He was 50.

The Republican had served in the senate since 2015, when he filled the seat vacated by Michael Lamoureux, who resigned to become Gov. Asa Hutchinson’s chief of staff and transition director, according to the source. Standridge won the seat in a special election.

“I am saddened by the passing of Sen. Greg Standridge—a friend and dedicated public servant,” Hutchinson said in a released statement. “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.”

On the morning of Standridge’s death, a subcommittee of the state highway commission observed a moment of silence in his honor. Several civic and state leaders also issued public statements of support including Lt. Gov. Tim Griffin and Sec. of State Mark Martin.

“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,” said U.S. Rep. Steve Womack.

In addition to his business interests and serving in the state legislature, Standridge was a volunteer firefighter and a member of the Pope County, Ark., Emergency Medical Services Squad. He was a member of the Russellville Lions Club and the Russellville & London Masonic Lodge. He attended Arkansas Tech University.

Standridge is survived by his wife, Karen, and four children.

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