Former South Carolina Gov. James B. Edwards, who also served as energy secretary under President Ronald Reagan, died Friday at the age of 87.

[caption id="attachment_20506" align="alignright" width="300"]<a href="http://www.yourislandnews.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/12/Cover-Governor-Jim-Edwards.jpg"><img class="size-medium wp-image-20506" src="http://www.yourislandnews.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/12/Cover-Governor-Jim-Edwards-300x225.jpg" alt="Former South Carolina Governor James B. Edwards" width="300" height="225" /></a> Former South Carolina Governor James B. Edwards[/caption]

Edwards, elected in 1974, was the first Republican governor of the state since Reconstruction, The Associated
Press reports.

Representative Mark Sanford released the following statement on the passing of Governor Jim Edwards: “South Carolina lost a great leader, a visionary Republican, and an even more remarkable and loving husband, father, grandfather and friend. Governor Edwards has always been extraordinary not only for all that he has accomplished but the way in which he did so. He had an ever-warm spirit that was infectious for the way that he showed concern and care for so many of us in the Lowcountry and across the state, and in that regard, he will be particularly missed. My prayers and thoughts go to Ann and the family.”