COLUMBUS, Ga. (WRBL) — Georgia state legislator Richard Smith passed away on Tuesday morning, a family friend confirmed.

Smith served 20 years in the General Assembly. He was chairman of the House Rules Committee.

Officials across Georgia are now releasing statements on Smith’s passing. You can read those below:

University System of Georgia Chancellor Sonny Perdue

“Georgia state Rep. Richard Smith had an unerring sense of what it meant to be a leader and citizen legislator and didn’t need to shout to be heard. Having known him for many years, back to my own service as governor, he never failed to stand for what was right.

Georgia has lost a grand statesman, and the Columbus community, including Columbus State University, has lost an incredible advocate and dear friend. We are holding his family in our prayers.”

Representative (GA 2nd District) Sanford Bishop

“Today, our great state lost a dedicated and long-time public servant who was a giant in the General Assembly. For over twenty years, he worked hard on behalf of Georgians and earned the respect of legislators and leaders from both sides of the aisle.

“I was fortunate to have worked with him throughout the years to help improve the quality of life in the Chattahoochee Valley and beyond. His legacy of service to the people of our area throughout his career is rich and will inure to the benefit of generations now and yet to come.

“My wife, Vivian, and I share our condolences with his wife, Clara, their children, family, friends, and those mourning his loss. He will be missed.”

Rep. Jon Burns (R) Georgia Speaker of the House

“To our House family,

It is with an extremely heavy heart that I inform you that our Rules Chairman, Richard Smith, has passed. As some of you know, Richard had come down with the flu in the past few days and passed peacefully during the night.

As you all know, Richard was larger than life. He loved everyone in this building, and never met a stranger. He was incredibly kind, generous, wise, supportive, and exceedingly loyal. But he would also tell you how he felt, why he was right, and wouldn’t mince words about it. That was Richard. More than anything, he was a friend in the truest sense of the word. He was also a devoted husband and family man who loved his wife, Clara, more than anything in the world.

He embodied what it meant to be a statesman. He loved this House, each and every one of you, and the work we accomplished together—much of which was because of his leadership.

Richard and I came into the House together in 2005. When I think back to all of the memories we shared—the late night meetings, the laughs, the hugs, the wins, the losses, the highs and the lows and the ups of the downs of this place—I’m struck by one thing: how Richard lived life, every single day, to the very fullest. I can assure you he is in Heaven right now, looking down on each of us fondly, but reminding us to get back to the work of the day. That was Richard.

Today and the coming days will be tough. Like you, I already miss my friend very much. But we will celebrate his life, remember all of the good times we had together, and honor the lasting legacy he will forever leave on this place.”

Gov. Brian Kemp (R) Georgia

“This morning, the entire Kemp family is saddened by the news of Representative Richard Smith’s passing. A long-time public servant and valued friend, he represented the Columbus area well and had an important impact on the entire state during his times as chairman of the House Rules Committee.

Richard has been my friend and colleague, for close to 20 years, as we reflect on his years of service and steady leadership, we ask that all Georgians join us in praying for his loved ones and keeping the Columbus community in your thoughts.”

Calvin Smyre, Former Dean of Georgia General Assembly

“At this time words can’t adequately express my pain and sadness this morning when I learned of the passing of my dear friend, Chairman Richard Smith. He was a steady hand and trusted colleague for me over many years. We shared a great friendship.

My prayers and thoughts are with Clara and the entire Smith family. He will be dearly missed in the Columbus community, the General Assembly and the State of Georgia.”

Stuart Rayfield, Columbus State University President

“Rep. Smith was a friend, a university donor and an invaluable advocate for Columbus State University and just about any other organization that was critical to the success of the Columbus region.  This is a stunning loss for our community and for Georgia.

Chairman Smith’s quiet style meant that his tremendous influence was often overlooked, but his impact on our state will be remembered for many years to come.”

Russell R. McMurry, Georgia DOT commissioner

“The Department and its employees mourn the loss today of Rep. Richard Smith of Columbus.  As the Chairman of the House Rules Committee and before, Chairman Smith was always a supporter of improving transportation in Georgia and making Georgia a better place to live.  His dedication and commitment to that mission for the benefit of all Georgians is unparalleled. Without question, Richard Smith embodied the example of a statesman who led with a gentle but firm hand.   Columbus and his district, our state, and her citizens will greatly miss Richard Smith and be reminded how blessed we all continue to be that he played such a part in the life of our State.”

Former Georgia Gov. Nathan Deal

“Richard Smith was a personal friend whose life was dedicated to the service of others. He was very helpful as we worked to improve the lives of Georgia’s citizens during my time as Governor. He will be greatly missed.  My condolences are extended to his family and friends.”

Ben Moser Chairman – CHIPS4CHIPS, President and CEO for United Way of the Chattahoochee Valley.

“Chairman Richard Smith’s unexpected passing is a tragic loss for our community … and our entire state. He was a gentleman who used his considerable power and resources for the benefit of us all. We were fortunate to have his enthusiastic support for the CHIPS4CHIPS initiative.

Having worked closely with him over the past few months, we are more determined than ever to continue this work in bringing the semiconductor industry to our region and our state.  Our thoughts and prayers are with his family and our community in this great loss.”

Attorney General of Georgia Chris Carr

“Joan and I are devastated by the passing of Chairman Richard Smith – a devoted public servant who cared deeply for the people of our state.

Chairman Smith led with a steady hand. He was a guiding force in the House, and we’re proud to have worked with him on critical public safety legislation over the years.

This is a tremendous loss for all of Georgia and particularly those in Columbus who he served so well.

We will miss him dearly and continue to pray for his family during this difficult time.”

Bill Underwood, President Mercer University

“Richard Smith was among the finest men I’ve had the privilege to know.  He cared deeply about his community.  He cared about the people of Georgia.  He had the capacity to bring people together to do good things.  He worked hard to do the right things for the right reasons.  His impact on Columbus was profound.  The Mercer University School of Medicine would not be here but for the work of my dear friend Richard Smith.”

This story will be updated with more statements as we receive them.