RUSSELLVILLE (KSFM) — Arkansas Senator Greg Standridge died Thursday morning (Nov. 16) at the age of 50 following his battle with cancer, our sister station KATV reports.
A native of Russellville, Sen. Standridge represented Senate District 16, comprised of Pope and Newton counties as well as parts of Boone, Carroll and Van Buren counties. He was elected to the position in 2015.
In his time in the Arkansas Senate, Standridge served as co-chairman of the Rural Fire Departments Study Committee. In the 90th General Assembly, he was a member of Senate Transportation, Technology and Legislative Affairs; Senate City, County and Local Affairs; Senate Children and Youth; Arkansas State Game and Fish Commission Oversight; Intermodal Transportation and Commerce Task Force; Economic and Tax Policy and Boys State.
He was also a volunteer fireman and a member of the Pope county EMS Rescue Squad.
Governor Asa Hutchinson ordered the United States and Arkansas flags to fly at half-staff in memory of Standridge. He released the following statement:
“I am saddened by the passing of Sen. Greg Standridge—a friend and dedicated public servant. 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.”
Representative Steve Womack said his thoughts and prayers are with Standridge’s family and friends.
Senator John Boozman released the following statement:
“I’m incredibly saddened to learn Senator Standridge passed away after battling cancer. Greg answered the call to public service, admirably serving his constituents even through illness. My thoughts and prayers are with his loved ones as they mourn his loss and celebrate his life.”
Arkansas Attorney General Leslie Rutledge released this statement:
“I was saddened to learn of the passing of Sen. Greg Standridge. Greg was a friend, a fighter and a man of faith. Not a day went by when he was not working to help his community and even as he faced his difficult diagnosis, he was always a source of encouragement and inspiration. My prayers are with Karen, their children, his constituents in District 16 and his colleagues in the Arkansas State Senate.”
