Charles Sargent, Longtime Williamson County Lawmaker, Dies At 73

Longtime Williamson County Rep. Charles Sargent has died after suffering from cancer.

Sargent served in the state House of Representatives for 22 years, rising from a backbench Republican when his party was in the minority to the chairman of the powerful Finance, Ways and Means Committee. His knowledge of the state budget was described by colleagues as exhaustive, and his often frank demeanor won friends on both sides of the aisle. 

Very sad
https://t.co/LPuFJpEaEe dear friend of 20+ yrs has left. As close a friend as any I have, a budget brother.We had that bond.Told him many times I’d trade his District’s tax base for mine.Never blindsided me or my Caucus.Always a Statesman. Thank God for Charles Sargent— Rep. Craig Fitzhugh (@craigfitzhugh)
November 13, 2018

Rep. Charles Sargent was one of the good guys. Praying for his friends and family- may they have peace and comfort during this incredibly difficult time.
#tnleg
https://t.co/IT386EmnMO— Senator Raumesh Akbari (@RepAkbari)
November 13, 2018

We will miss Charles Sargent. He was a superior legislator, a good man and a good friend. Honey and I send our great respect for his life to Nancy and his family members.
https://t.co/h5NCJoGLj8— Sen. Lamar Alexander (@SenAlexander)
November 13, 2018

The Tennessean reports that a visitation will be held Saturday at the Williamson Memorial Funeral Home, and the funeral will take place Sunday at First Presbyterian Church in Franklin.

Sargent was a New York native who moved to Middle Tennessee in the 1970’s after serving in the Navy. After serving on the Williamson County Commission, he was elected to the state legislature in 1996 and didn’t retire until this year.

House Speaker Beth Harwell says he was a strong proponent for his district.

“He came out of Williamson County local government, and he prioritized his district and Williamson County as a whole,” she said. “And I think that’s evident in a lot of good things that he was able to do.”

Those included working to steer funding toward schools, preserve Civil War sites and bringing a satellite campus of Columbia State Community College to Williamson County.