Ernest Hollings was born on January 1, 1922 in Charleston, South Carolina. He grew up in a middle-class family, where hard work and determination were instilled in him from a young age. Hollings attended local schools and excelled academically, showing a knack for leadership and public speaking.
After graduating from high school, Hollings attended The Citadel, the Military College of South Carolina. He enlisted in the Army during World War II and served as an artillery officer. Upon returning home, he decided to pursue a career in law. Despite only studying for 21 months, Hollings obtained his law degree and joined a law practice in Charleston.
In 1954, Hollings was elected to the South Carolina House of Representatives. He quickly gained a reputation as a well-respected and effective legislator. In 1958, he was elected as the 106th Governor of South Carolina, serving from 1959 to 1963. His time as governor was marked by progressive policies and a focus on improving education and infrastructure in the state.
In 1966, Hollings was elected to the United States Senate, where he would serve for nearly four decades. He was known for his pragmatic approach to governance and his willingness to work across party lines. Over the course of his 38 years in the Senate, he played a key role in passing important legislation on issues such as education, healthcare, and economic development.
Ernest Hollings was married twice, with his second marriage being to Rita Liddy Hollings. He was a devoted family man and had a close bond with his children and grandchildren. Outside of politics, he was an avid outdoorsman and loved spending time in the natural beauty of South Carolina.
At the time of his retirement in 2005, Hollings was the 8th longest-serving Senator in history. He left behind a legacy of dedication to public service and a commitment to improving the lives of all Americans. His bipartisan approach to governance and his ability to find common ground will be remembered for years to come.
Ernest Hollings passed away on April 6, 2019, but his legacy lives on in the hearts and minds of those who knew him and benefited from his tireless advocacy for a better world.
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