Wayne Mixson

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (AP) — Former Florida Gov. Wayne Mixson, whose three-day term was shortest in state history, died Wednesday. He was 98.

Mixson took over the top spot on Jan. 3, 1987, when Gov. Bob Graham resigned early to be sworn into the U.S. Senate. Mixson died at his home in Tallahassee surrounded by his wife, Margie, and loved ones.

The two-term lieutenant governor said his three days as governor were “fully packed.” A conservative Democrat, Mixson made close to 200 appointments before Republican Bob Martinez was sworn in as governor.

Graham said in a written statement that he chose Mixson to be his lieutenant governor based on his “strength and honesty of his public service and his devotion to Margie and their life together.”

“His selection was an easy one. Our friendship deepened and my admiration of his intelligence and abilities grew. As Lt. Governor he capably led the Florida Department of Commerce which assured Florida’s position as a coming state on the national level.”