Senator Lindsey Graham Honored in South Carolina Funeral Service

Senator Lindsey Graham was honored Wednesday at a funeral service in Columbia, South Carolina, where friends and colleagues remembered his deep commitment to the state and his tireless work ethic. The ceremonies were streamed by South Carolina ETV.

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Lindsey Graham understood the hopes and dreams and needs of his state and delivered every time.

Following a national funeral service in Washington, D.C., where he was eulogized by the president and vice president, mourners in Columbia reflected on Graham's roots as the son of pool hall owners. Former Rep. Trey Gowdy described him as someone "born with a plastic fork in his mouth," highlighting his rise through genuine connection and hard work rather than privilege.

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Lindsey, I loved you. You made me laugh. You made me think. You made me want to jump out of airplanes. You got me fined by the FCC when you came on my show. And you have made me cry a lot over the last two weeks, but I want you to know, brother, that your name will echo through the halls of history.

Governor Henry McMaster praised Graham's understanding of his state's needs, stating, "Lindsey Graham understood the hopes and dreams and needs of his state and delivered every time." Friends consistently recalled his humor, dedication, and genuine care for people. Graham, who died suddenly on July 11, likely from an aortic tear, had recently returned from international travel, including a NATO summit and a visit to Ukraine.

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was born with a plastic fork in his mouth

Gowdy delivered a lengthy eulogy, portraying Graham as a man who knew himself, cast difficult votes based on principle, and cared deeply for children despite never marrying or having his own. He characterized Graham as the "least pretentious person in politics." Reflecting on their friendship, Gowdy shared, "Lindsey, I loved you. You made me laugh. You made me think. You made me want to jump out of airplanes... and you have made me cry a lot over the last two weeks, but I want you to know, brother, that your name will echo through the halls of history."

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It wasn't the trapping of office he cared about. It was the work.