COLUMBIA, South Carolina (CNN) — Harry Dent, the man behind Richard Nixon's "Southern strategy" and defacto founder of the modern day Republican party in South Carolina, died on Friday.

He worked for presidents Nixon, Gerald Ford, and George H.W. Bush, as well as former Republican Sen. Strom Thurmond.

Read the obituary by Lee Bandy here.

Katon Dawson, chairman of the South Carolina Republican Party, issued this statement:

"The South Carolina Republican Party has lost one of its pioneers and patriarchs in Harry Dent. A devoted public servant and astute political strategist, Harry Dent laid the foundation for a new era in American politics. Under his visionary leadership, the Republican Party flourished in South Carolina and grew as a political force in the South. Harry Dent served his state and his country faithfully. We extend our deepest sympathies to Harry's family - especially his beloved wife Betty - during this difficult time."

– CNN South Carolina Producer Peter Hamby