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.

John Thrasher, a towering figure in Florida politics and higher education, died after a battle with cancer. He was 81.

Thrasher, who served as speaker of the Florida House and as a member of the Florida Senate, died Friday morning in Orlando, his family said in a statement. He had been battling cancer, according to a social media post last month from his former lobbying firm.