A longtime state lawmaker who served Southside Virginia has died.

Gov. Glenn Youngkin announced the death of former State Sen. Frank Ruff, R-Mecklenburg County, Saturday evening.

Ruff was 75 years old.

Ruff served in the Virginia General Assembly for 30 years; most recently served as a state senator since 2000; He represented Pittsylvania, Halifax, Charlotte, Lunenburg, Mecklenburg and Nottoway counties, as well as parts of Prince Edward County and the city of Danville.

He was re-elected last year, but a cancer diagnosis forced him to step aside.

“My personal loss is indescribable with the passing of one of the most honorable men I have ever known. Senator Frank Ruff was not only a former employer but also a lifelong friend, mentor and father figure to me,” said Senator Tammy Mulchi, who took Ruff’s seat in the Senate after a special election. “While he leaves behind a legacy of achievement that few others in Southside Virginia and throughout the state have achieved, his proudest accomplishments have always been those of his wonderful wife, children and grandchildren. “His service and commitment to positive change for rural Virginia and the Commonwealth of Virginia will continue for generations to come.”

Youngkin released a statement regarding Ruff’s death:

“Virginia has lost a legend of public service whose legacy will be felt across the Commonwealth not just for years to come, but for generations to come. Senator Frank Ruff always believed that public service was about finding good policy solutions to improve the lives of Virginians in rural communities.

“Frank’s decades of service to the people of Virginia—to the General Assembly since 1993, to the Mecklenburg Board of Supervisors before that, and most recently as a citizen member and chairman of the Tobacco County Revitalization Commission—are matched by few others. It has also been a source of inspiration for many people.

“This year, I was honored to sign unanimously approved legislation renaming the Rural Center he founded in his honor.

“Suzanne and I ask all Virginians to join us in keeping his wife Jessie, his children, his grandchildren, and all of his family and friends in our heartfelt prayers.”