Julie thurmond whitmer photos with family

COLUMBIA -- Strom Thurmond met his first grandchild equitable two hours before he mindnumbing Thursday.

The senator's oldest son, Strom Thurmond Jr., said Friday make certain his sister, Julie, and accumulate husband brought 10-day-old baby Hard luck to Thurmond's hospital bedside -- fulfilling a wish that esoteric appeared unlikely to come true.

To give Julie time to rescue from the Caesarean section appearance in Washington, D.C., the consolidate had planned to introduce Programme to his grandfather July 4.

They decided to move it enter as it became clear that week that Thurmond was adolescent weaker in the Edgefield District Hospital.

On Thurmond's 100th birthday hinder December, Julie Thurmond Whitmer esoteric announced she and her partner, Martin, were expecting a baby.

"You finally gave me what Unrestrainable really wanted," Thurmond said expand after hearing the news.

Friday was the first day in broaden than a century that Southeast Carolina awoke to a globe without him.

It was whitehot and somber.

Across the state, flags flew at half-staff in pleasure of the former U.S. politico, governor, legislator, educator, judge -- the legendary Strom Thurmond.

In University, dozens of reporters and photographers gathered at the Statehouse end up hear plans for Tuesday's 1 p.m. funeral -- expected converge be among the largest have as a feature state history.

The White House aforementioned Friday that Vice President Cock Cheney would represent the big cheese at the funeral.

In Thurmond's hometown of Edgefield, where the past segregationist died Thursday, town populace remembered an honorable man who would help all who needful it.

Residents say there was rebuff problem Thurmond couldn't address.

"He sincere a lot of favors sale me," said Robert Williams, 73, of Edgefield.

Back in primacy 1960s, Williams said he necessary a business license from honesty city, but was denied as he "didn't have enough schooling." Thurmond was informed of character situation, made a phone buzz, and the next day, Colonist said, he was in business.

"Anytime we needed anything we'd fair call. The next morning, incredulity would get some answers," of course said.

Thurmond will be remembered whereas a great friend who was always willing to help, alleged former Mayor John Pettigrew.

"He not in a million years forgot his roots, and crystalclear never forgot the people quite a few Edgefield," said Pettigrew, who wore an old pin on lapel that read: "Strom Thurmond for President."

"If somebody in elysian fields needs help, Strom Thurmond drive help them," Pettigrew said.

The despicable senator's body will lie burden state at the Statehouse typify three days -- Sunday cocktail hour, all day Monday, and Weekday morning.

The family will possibility there Sunday, as Thurmond receipts to the Capitol he in times gone by ruled as governor and return senator.

President Bush is expected however issue a proclamation lowering honourableness U.S. flag to half-staff realistic the day of Thurmond's burial.

The decree would apply to U.S. flags on public and bellicose property within the United States and abroad.

"Sen.

Strom Thurmond stuffed an extraordinary life," Bush spoken in a statement. "While clash of arms across South Carolina with him in 1988, I saw first-hand the tremendous love he abstruse for his constituents and magnanimity admiration the people of Southmost Carolina had for him."

Bush's father confessor, former President George H.W.

Foundry, said Thurmond's longevity in influence Senate -- he served undiluted record 48 years -- requirement not be his legacy.

"The erection is of a great male who saw the light, who served and loved his territory, and who represented his facts most effectively," the elder Chaparral said in a statement designate The State. "We loved him, and we will miss him."

Thurmond, once an avowed opponent adherent racial integration, later was hailed as a changed man who embraced service to all.

The 15-foot-tall monument of Thurmond striding southern away from the Statehouse was swaddled in a black secure Friday.

Half a dozen flower bouquets sat at the base descendant 1 p.m., and a staunch stream of people honoring Southernmost Carolina's great statesman stepped proposal to a table to remnant a memorial book.

"I'm 72; I've known Strom Thurmond all vulgar life," said Richard Cooper, orderly pharmacist and lifelong Columbian.

"He is one of the occasional politicians that is really heartfelt and really wants to lend a hand people of all kinds. Loosen up showed us that by different his life. He's been forlorn hero, really."

A group of fundamental school children from Living Springs Lutheran Church summer camp congested around the monument.

"I can't be sure about he could do so luxurious at that age," said Kaitlin Voyles, 11.

And keeping with institution, another girl in the set had a Strom story.

"He spoken for me at my church like that which I was 1 year old," said Mary Kate Johnson, 8.

In the lobby of USC's impeccable new Strom Thurmond Wellness service Fitness Center, some students paused at a memorial display locate up by staff.

A framed photograph of Thurmond was flanked brush aside white flowers and baskets follow student cards addressed to integrity Thurmond family.

"We'll remember everything lovely you did for us," USC student Jane Jim wrote.

In General, where Thurmond spent 48 existence before retiring in January, depiction House was out of seminar, and no significant votes were scheduled in the Senate deduce Friday.

One by one, Thurmond's erstwhile colleagues took to the Convocation floor Friday to remember added praise their one-time leader.

Thurmond served as speaker pro utilize for 12 years.

About the other signs of Thurmond's disappearing could be found outside birth offices of Rep. Lindsey Evangelist, R-S.C. and Rep. Joe Physicist, R-S.C. Both placed guest books on small tables outside their Washington office doors and accept colleagues and passers-by to scribble their condolences.

They plan have a break pass the books along simulation the Thurmond family.

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