Tennessee Republican State Representative Ron Lollar died suddenly from an apparent heart attack.

Lollar, 69, represented District 99 in Shelby County. He was up for re-election this year--election officials said his name will remain on the primary ballot in August.

Shelby County GOP members said the Republican Caucus will select a replacement candidate after the primary. That candidate will appear on November's ballot.

Lollar has been represented part of Shelby County for a decade. 

"Complete shock. Ron has been a dear friend for 20 years," Former SCS school board chairman David Pickler said. "We started out as political colleagues, but it grew into something much deeper. I was blessed to call Ron a great friend."

Tennessee Republican Party Chairman Scott Golden released this statement on his passing:

"I was saddened to hear of the passing of my friend Ron Lollar. He was a wonderful man that loved people and did a fantastic job representing Shelby County in the legislature. One of the premier events of the year was the Lollar/Pleasant Fish Fry that brought together people from all over Tennessee for a day of politics and, more importantly, fellowship. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family, friends, and the people of the 99th district."

 

Lollar served in the Army National Guard and U.S. Marine Corps before becoming a politician.

 

"My best friend, a happy warrior, the kind you'd always want to share a foxhole with."

- David Pickler

"We are shocked and saddened to learn of our colleague and friend Ron Lollar's passing. Chairman Lollar was the perfect example of what it means to be a public servant. From his service in the U.S. Marine Corps, to his involvement on the Shelby County School Board, and throughout his service in our House Chamber over the past twelve years, Ron demonstrated his love for his country, state, community, constituents, and most importantly, his family. To Ron's wife Brenda, and their children, we offer our deepest sympathies, and we continue to pray for them and ask that God comfort them during this difficult time." 

- Republican Caucus Chairman Ryan Williams & House Majority Leader Glen Casada

 

"Rep. Ron Lollar was a true man of the people. He was fearless, honest, and never afraid to speak his mind. He often offered me guidance and advice, and would tell me when I was coming up short. He helped me become a better legislator and community advocate. He was one of the most interesting people on Capitol Hill and will truly be missed." 

- Sen. Lee Harris

 

"We are saddened to hear of the passing of our colleague State Representative Ron Lollar. He was a fellow Marine, fighter for teachers and an independent thinker regardless of party lines. He will be missed. Our prayers go out to the Lollar family."

- State Representative Antonio Parkinson, (D) District 98

 

"Stunned and saddened this morning to hear of Rep. Ron Lollar's passing. He was a strong advocate for Shelby County and for education, and I'll miss his friendship and sense of humor." 

- Memphis Mayor Jim Strickland

 

"I am heartbroken to hear of Ron's passing. He was an important voice in the Tennessee General Assembly, and a leader in Bartlett and Shelby County. He served this country with distinction in the U.S. Marine Corps, and he served this state with his tireless advocacy for Tennessee students and agricultural issues. He was not only my colleague, but a dear friend. My thoughts and prayers are with his family during this difficult time." 

- TN Rep. Beth Harwell

 

"For more than 10 years I served with Ron Lollar in the House of Representatives and found him to be a man of strong convictions and a heartfelt desire to serve his community. Ron was a decorated Marine Corps veteran, who I worked with in the Veterans Caucus and where I saw his commitment to Veterans issues. He also served on the Shelby County School Board and his passion for education was front and center during the legislation we passed earlier this year involving the TN Ready testing failures. He was one of the most vocal Representatives and voices for the teachers during that time. I will miss my friend and offer my sincere condolences to his family." 

- TN Rep. Craig Fitzhugh

Lollar was born on August 13, 1948 in Jackson, Tennessee, and was a graduate of Jackson State Community College, where he was president of the student body association. He would later graduate from Austin Peay State University, where he was president of the student government association.

He served in the U.S. Marine Corps from 1967 to 1971, with combat service in Vietnam, and served also in the Army National Guard from 1980 until 1982. He was the recipient of the Vietnam Gallantry Cross, the Navy Commendation Medal w/ "V" device, a Combat Action Ribbon with a Navy Unit citation, a Good Conduct Medal, a Meritorious Unit Citation, a Vietnamese Service Medal, and a Vietnamese Campaign Medal. Lollar also served as a White House Guard.

In the House, Lollar served on the House Agriculture Committee, the House Education Committee, the House Higher Education Subcommittee, and the House Special Iniatives Subcommittee. For three terms, he represented the Second District on the Shelby County School Board. He served also as president of Future Farmers of America, as a Baptist deacon, as a Mason, and as a member of Gideons International.

Rep. Lollar is survived by his wife, Brenda Lollar of Bartlett; daughters, Kelly Lollar of Bartlett and Shelby Lollar of Vanleer, TN; son, Matthew Lollar of Bartlett; mother, Elizabeth Lollar of Jackson, TN; sister, Martha Lynn Millrany of Collierville; brother, Dr. Don Lollar of Lexington, KY.