Former Florida legislator and Florida State University President John Thrasher has died.

He was 81 and had been battling cancer.

The longtime Republican served as both speaker of the house and as a state senator.

Senate President Ben Albritton said Friday that Thrasher's life was devoted to "public service, patriotism, a love of the law and a passion for education."

Thrasher was in the House from 1992 to 2000 and was president of FSU from 2014 to 2021.

Gov. Ron DeSantis said Thrasher made a difference in the lives of many Floridians.

"John was a decorated combat veteran, served the state well as both Speaker of the House and as a Florida senator, and provided great leadership as the president of his alma mater, Florida State University," DeSantis said in a post on X.

Sen. Ashley Moody said: "John’s incredible leadership touched many throughout our state. Floridians will feel the impact of his service for many years to come."