SAVANNAH, Ga. (WSAV) — A former Chatham County Commission Chairman died Thursday night at the age of 90, according to the Fox & Weeks obituary. The funeral home says he died surrounded by his family.

Liakakis was a longtime personal bodyguard and friend of the late Hollywood star Burt Reynolds. Liakakis has served on several community and government boards, led political campaigns, and co-founded Savannah Responds to help those in crisis.

In 2012, he was recognized for lifetime achievement in public and community service with the dedication of the Pete Liakakis Government Building in downtown Savannah.

“#Savannah has lost a true giant with the passing of my friend and community champion, Speaker Pete Liakakis,” Mayor Van Johnson wrote in a tribute on Facebook. Liakakis preceded Johnson as vice-chairman of the city council and then served two terms as chairman of the Chatham County Commission.

Liakakis was “very well known for being more than one place at the same time while actively serving many, many causes,” Johnson continued. “My prayers go out to his beloved wife, Mary Jean, to his son, Toney, to his family and to the Greek community of Savannah. Well deserved rest, my friend.

Liakakis was born in the host city on January 9, 1932. The life member of St. Paul’s Greek Orthodox Church graduated from high school in Savannah. He then enlisted in the Air Force and trained in communications, Fox and Weeks said.

A visitation will be held April 19 at 5 p.m. at St. Paul’s Greek Orthodox Church on West Anderson Street. The funeral will be held at the same church the following day at 11 a.m.