Former Alabama State Rep. Alvin Holmes (D-Montgomery) died on Saturday at age 81.

Holmes served in the legislature for 44 years — from 1974 until 2018, when he lost a primary bid for reelection. He was the longest serving member of the House of Representatives.

An alumnus and former faculty member of Alabama State University, Holmes was a Montgomery native.

In a statement, House Speaker Mac McCutcheon (R-Monrovia) said Holmes “was not only a champion of civil rights in Alabama but he was also a champion of all taxpayers.

“He took stands to insure African Americans were treated fairly and that tax dollars were spent wisely,” the speaker continued. “Representative Holmes could be forceful at times and give no ground on issues he was passionate about but no one ever questioned his sincerity. I was proud to call him a friend. My wife Debbie and I offer our sincere condolences to his family.”

State Rep. Chris England (D-Tuscaloosa), who is also the chairman of the Alabama Democratic Party, stated that “Representative Alvin Holmes was a great Democrat and a fighter.”

“He stood on the frontlines of the fight for civil rights and was willing to sacrifice everything in his fight for justice for all. He not only had a long and distinguished career as a civil rights leader, but also as a member of the legislature, serving his constituents faithfully and dutifully for 44 years. Alabama has lost a giant, whose wit, intelligence, fearlessness, selfless determination, and leadership will be sorely missed. My prayers are with his friends, family, and colleagues,” England added.

Sean Ross is the editor of Yellowhammer News. You can follow him on Twitter @sean_yhn