Former Florida State University President and House Speaker John Thrasher, whose career in politics and public service spanned more than three decades, died Friday after a battle with cancer, his family announced.

Former Florida State President John Thrasher has passed away following cancer diagnosis in April. A public celebration of his life will be held later this summer.

Thrasher was known for his fierce pride in Florida State long before he became its president. He earned his bachelor’s degree in business there in 1965. He earned two Bronze Stars in Vietnam. He was honorably discharged as a captain in 1970, then returned to FSU, earning his law degree with honors in 1972.