America lost one of its last true statesmen Friday night with the death of the 41st president of the United States, George H.W. Bush.

The 94-year-old’s resume and accomplishments could fill a small book,

His long service to the country is impressive — from service in World War II through his presidency and advocacy work after his time in the White House.

Bush was special to America.

He, along with his late wife Barbara and their extended family — including soon-to-be president George W. Bush — captured our hearts.

They were approachable and normal in how they acted and interacted.

For many Natchez residents, Bush made local history when he visited Natchez while he was vice president on a campaign stop for then congressional candidate David Armstrong.

For those who interacted with Bush that day, the moments will last forever.

Residents greeted Bush’s plane Air Force 2 as it landed at the Natchez-Adams County Airport and others were able to hear him speak and shake his hand as Bush spoke from the bandstand gazebo on the Natchez bluff.

Bush’s life was long and amazing. His service took him from the skies over the Pacific Theater in World War II as he served as a fighter pilot all the way to the White House, serving eight years as vice president and four years as president.

Bush was often quick with a self-deprecating joke to put people at ease.

After recovering from a health scare in 2001, Bush apparently told his family and friends to “put the harps back in the closet.”

He was always trying to make those around him laugh, despite often facing difficult issues in front of him.

We pray for the Bush family and are thankful for their family’s sacrifice in sharing their great patriarch with us all.