LOUISVILLE, Ky. — Prominent Republican and former gubernatorial candidate Lawrence "Larry" Forgy, Jr. died,  Thursday. He was 82.

His sister, Sen. Alice Forgy Kerr (R-Fayette), announced his passing on her Facebook page. She wrote in part, "We are all heartbroken to lose this wonderful man who had a profound impact in Kentucky, but we are comforted to know that he is now in the embrace of our Heavenly Father."

Kerr, an attorney, had been in declining health according to Forgy Kerr.

Reactions to his death are coming in across the Commonwealth.

U.S. Senate Republican Leader Mitch McConnell (R-KY) released a statement.  It read,  “I was saddened to learn of the passing of Larry Forgy, a prominent Kentucky Republican who made an important mark on our state party. Larry built a high-profile career in both law and politics, making it his life’s work to serve the Commonwealth and its citizens. Through his advocacy, he forged friendships with Kentuckians from all corners of our state, and I know we will all miss his humor, lively speeches, and kind heart. Elaine and I share our deepest condolences with the Forgy family and will hold them in our prayers.”

Agriculture commissioner Dr. Ryan Quarles issued a statement that read, “I’m saddened to learn about the passing of Larry Forgy, a pioneer in Kentucky Republican politics. To hear Larry deliver a speech was a real treat. He was one of the best off the cuff stump speakers I ever had the privilege of hearing, never hesitated to speak his mind, and served as an inspiration for many young conservatives growing up in Kentucky. My thoughts and prayers are with his family.”

Senate President Larry Stiver's wrote in a statement, "Larry Forgy was a legendary leader and a man who epitomized representing the people of the commonwealth.  Larry would travel anywhere the people were and was one of the best at delivering stump speeches.  No matter the audience or the location, he had a unique ability to captivate any audience.  Larry actually served with my father and helped countless leaders on their campaign trails. I am fortunate to have known such a great man and learned much from him, like so many. He was the face of our party for decades and I will miss him dearly."  

According to the Louie B. Nunn Center for Oral History at the University of Kentucky, Forgy was born in Lewisburg in 1939. He earned his bachelor's degree from the University of Kentucky and his law degree from George Washington University.

Forgy ran unsuccessfully for governor twice. First in 1991, where he lost in the primary and again in 1995 when he was defeated by Paul Patton. In 1999 he also ran unsuccessfully for the Kentucky Supreme Court.

The Louis B. Nunn Center reports in addition to being a lawyer, Forgy was the president of the nonprofit Health Kentucky.

Forgy had a long history with the GOP. He was general counsel and budget director for Gov. Louie B. Nunn. He was the Kentucky chairman for Ronald Reagan's presidential bid, he served as vice chairman of the Kentucky Council of Higher Education and served on the University of Kentucky's board of trustees as a member of the Finance Committee.

His sister said funeral arrangements are pending.