“State Senator Augustus Benton (Ben) Chafin, jr., A native of Russell County in southwest Virginia, died on January 1, 2021, of complications from Covid-19,” the statement read. The family of the Republican lawmaker thanked the VCU Medical Center in Richmond, Virginia, for ‘his vigorous care and intimate support during his two weeks of medical services there’.
Chafin, a cattle farmer and attorney, served Virginia’s 38th District. He was elected to the House of Representatives in 2013 before moving to the Senate in 2014.
His office remembered him Friday as a strong supporter of the second amendment, economic development and health care coverage for hundreds of thousands of low-income Virginias. ‘
“He advocates work in his district, especially in the coal fields where the decline of coal has devastated local economies,” the statement said.
In honor of Chafin, Democratic Gov. Ralph Northam on Friday ordered that the state flag fly over the Capitol of Virginia to half-staff until the senator’s internment.
The governor added: ‘It is sad news to start a new year with the loss of a kind and gracious man. May we all re-commit to taking extra steps to care for one another. ‘
Chafin is survived by his mother, sister, wife, three children and grandchildren.