Former state Sen. Hugh M. Gillis of Soperton, who served more than 50 years in the Georgia General Assembly, has died. He was 94.

Sammons Funeral Home in Soperton says Gillis died Tuesday at a hospital in Vidalia, with his family by his side.

In 2001, the Democrat was honored by a national organization as the longest-serving state legislator in the country. Gillis served in the state Senate continuously from 1962 until his retirement in 2004. He had previously served for 12 years in the Georgia House.

Upon Gillis retirement, then-Gov. Sonny Perdue named him to the board of the Georgia Ports Authority.

During his career, Gillis worked with 13 governors and served as Senate President Pro Tempore for six years.

A funeral service was scheduled for Friday in Soperton.

Tags: Georgia General Assembly, Soperton, Sen. Hugh M. Gillis