South Carolina honors Senator Lindsey Graham at funeral in Columbia

Senator Lindsey Graham returned to South Carolina for his final farewell on Wednesday, with a funeral at First Baptist Church in Columbia that highlighted his deep connections to the state. Governor Henry McMaster said Graham "understood the hopes and dreams and needs of his state and delivered every time," adding a personal note of affection.

Former Representative Trey Gowdy recalled Graham as the son of pool-hall owners who knew every mayor, police chief and even the location of local Chick-fil-A restaurants, emphasizing his humor, work ethic and willingness to cast unpopular votes when he believed they were right. Gowdy praised Graham’s peacemaking efforts, noting his recent trip to Ukraine and NATO summit in Turkey aimed at sanctioning Russia.

Democratic Representative Jim Clyburn read Psalm 23, while President Donald Trump, speaking at a separate service in Washington, called Graham "a giant of the United States Senate, a true American original." The ceremony featured a horse-drawn caisson, a flyover by four military jets, a 130-member choir, and remarks from a range of political figures, including both gubernatorial candidates and longtime state leaders.

Graham, who died on July 11 from an apparent aortic tear, had just secured the Republican nomination for a fifth Senate term. His sister, Darline Graham, was appointed to hold the seat temporarily and later announced her own campaign for the full term. The burial took place privately near his home in Pickens County.