Bill Brock, who served in both the U.S. House of Representatives and as a senator from Tennessee, has passed away at the age of 90. He died in Florida yesterday from complications of pneumonia.

He was the grandson of William Emerson Brock Sr., a U.S. senator who represented Tennessee from 1929 to 1931.

His family owned the famous Brock Candy Company based in Chattanooga, which was once one the largest candy companies in America.

Brock graduated from McCallie School in 1949, attended Washington & Lee University, earning a BS in Commerce in 1953. When Brock returned from serving 2 years in the Navy, he went to work in his family’s candy company. Like his parents and grandparents, Mr. Brock was called to serve in his community and became active in the Chattanooga Junior Chamber of Commerce.

Brock would go on to spend eight years in the U.S. House of Representatives from 1962 to 1970, becoming the first Republican to hold the Third Congressional District seat in 40 years. In 1970, he was elected to the U.S. Senate. He also served as U.S. Trade Representative and Labor Department Secretary during the administration of President Ronald Reagan.

He was elected Chair of the Republican National Committee, rebuilding the GOP through grass roots efforts that welcomed people of different races, backgrounds, and perspectives.

Brock co-chaired the National Commission on the Skills of the American Workforce and chaired the Commission on Achieving Necessary Skills which set a new course for elementary and secondary education. He received the National Academy of Human Resources highest tribute and recognition for outstanding achievement in advancing human development.

He was as a Senior Counselor and Member of the Board of the Center for Strategic and International Studies, where he chaired the International Policy Roundtable.

Mr. Brock is survived by his wife: Sandra Schubert Brock; brothers: Paul “Pat” Brock and Frank Brock; 6 children and step-children; 17 grandchildren; and two great-grandchildren.