Memorial Services Announced for Sen. Lindsey Graham

Memorial services for the late U.S. Sen. Lindsey Graham, R-S.C., will be held later this month in Washington and in his home state, his office announced Friday.

A service will be held Tuesday, July 28, in Washington, followed by separate services Wednesday, July 29, in Columbia and in Pickens County, where Graham grew up. Taylor Reidy, Graham’s communications director, said additional details, including times and locations, will be released later.

Graham’s office did not announce a location for the Washington service, though congressional sources told several news outlets the event is expected to take place at the Washington National Cathedral, which has hosted funeral services for a number of prominent national figures.

Graham died Saturday, July 11, at age 71. His office initially said he had suffered a brief and sudden illness. A preliminary finding from the Medical Examiner of the District of Columbia later determined he died of an aortic dissection stemming from arteriosclerotic cardiovascular disease.

Graham was born in Central in 1955 and graduated from D.W. Daniel High School in 1973. He served five terms in the Senate and was among President Donald Trump’s closest allies in Congress.

Following Graham’s death, Gov. Henry McMaster appointed the senator’s sister, Darline Graham, to serve out the remainder of his term. She was sworn in Tuesday. A special election to fill the seat for the full term is scheduled later this year, with a Republican primary set for Aug. 11, a runoff if needed on Aug. 25, and the general election on Nov. 3.