Nov 27, 2015 1 min read

NORFOLK, Va. – A former speaker of the Virginia House of Delegates whose political career spanned decades has died.

Norma Moss, the wife of Thomas Moss Jr., said her husband died Thursday after suffering a heart attack while visiting family in South Carolina. He was 87.

Moss, a Democrat from Norfolk, entered Virginia’s House of Delegates in 1966 and was a member for 36 years. He served as speaker from 1991 to 2000. He later became Norfolk city treasurer, a position he held for more than a decade.

House Speaker William Howell said the length of Moss’ service “reflects his tireless commitment to fellow citizens of the Commonwealth.” He called Moss a fierce competitor who was passionate about his beliefs and had a sharp sense of humor.