CHARLESTON, W.Va. (WSAZ) -- Former West Virginia Cecil Underwood, the state's oldest and youngest governor in two separate terms, died Monday at Charleston Area Medical Center. He was 86 years old.

Underwood retired from public life in 2001 after losing a re-election bid to Bob Wise. He considered running for governor of the state in 2004, but ultimately opted out.

Underwood had his daughter Cecilia at his side when he died at Charleston Area Medical Center Monday.

Underwood's son, Craig, says the two-term governor died of complications from a brain hemorrhage suffered last May.

The younger Underwood, who was born the day after his father took office for the first time, described the governor as a phenomenal role model for his three children.

The funeral for Underwood will be held Monday, December 1st at 11am at Christ Church United Methodist in Charleston. It will be open to the public.

The governor and his wife Hovah, a native of Grantsville, were the parents of Craig, Cecilia and a second daughter Sharon. He also had five grandchildren. Hovah died in 2004 after suffering a stroke.

Underwood was born in Tyler County in 1922. He became involved in politics at the age of 22 when he was elected to the House of Delegates. He served as house minority floor leader for several terms before becoming governor of the state.

His first term as governor was highlighted by a push for improved roads, a revision of state mining laws and support for public schools.

Underwood tried on three other occasions to become governor (1964, 1968 and 1976) but was defeated in his effort. He also lost a bid for the United States Senate in 1960.

Outside of politics, Underwood worked for Island Creek Coal Company and Monsanto Chemical Company, served as president of Bethany College and taught political science at Marshall University.

In 1996, Underwood came out of political retirement to beat Charlotte Pritt for the job of governor, forty years after he first took office.

After leaving office in 2001, Underwood worked with Marshall University and stayed active in politics.

Tributes from politicians and community leaders have been emailed to WSAZ.com all afternoon Monday.

“Erma and I were friends with Cecil and Hovah Underwood for more than 50 years. They were both wonderful people. I fondly remember celebrating my 80th birthday at the Governor’s Mansion with the Underwoods. A devoted public servant, Cecil’s many contributions to the great state of West Virginia will never be forgotten. Those of us fortunate enough to call him a friend will always remember his engaging personality and personal warmth. Today, my thoughts are with the Underwood family and with all West Virginians who are mourning the passing of a great and decent man," United States Senator Robert Byrd said.

“Governor Underwood was a man of profound faith, a forward-looking leader, and a public servant in the truest sense. He’ll be remembered as someone who dedicated his entire life and career to the causes of people around him. I always enjoyed working with him on opportunities to move our state forward. My thoughts and prayers are with his family and far-reaching community of friends," United States Senator Jay Rockefeller said.

“This is a very sad day for all of West Virginia. We have lost a governor who, through two separate terms, served our state and its citizens with honor and dignity and, most importantly, class. We have also lost a dear friend," West Virginia Governor Joe Manchin said. “Gov. Underwood was loved as a father, grandfather and husband, and when he lost his beloved wife, Hovah, we all knew that things would never be the same for him. They’ve now been reunited and I’m sure that I speak for all West Virginians in sending our thoughts and prayers out to the entire Underwood family.”

“I am very sorry to learn of Governor Underwood’s death. He devoted his entire life to West Virginia in many different ways—as its chief executive, in education, and in business. He left a legacy that in so many ways has improved life for generations of West Virginians. He constantly demonstrated how to govern effectively in a bipartisan manner. He was a gentleman in the finest sense of the word, and we all give thanks for his public service. Sandy and I express our deepest condolences to the Underwood family for the loss of this true public servant," Former West Virginia Governor Bob Wise said.

"Governor Underwood was a great West Virginian who served his State with devotion and dignity in so many ways in education, in business, and in government. I remember him as such a kind gentleman and friend. So approachable. A leader who brought divergent sides together on tough issues. Governor Underwood cared about his State and it showed," West Virginia Supreme Court Justice Brent Benjamin said. "And while he had a large presence in his public life, in his private life he was a man possessed of infinite compassion, decency, and wit. I'm really going to miss him. My prayers are with Governor Underwood's family."

“Governor Underwood served unselfishly in everything he did, whether it was an elected office or involvement with charitable, business or community organizations. He was a testament to what a “public citizen” should be,” said West Virginia Chamber of Commerce president Steve Roberts.

"I've always told people when he wanted to run again, I'd be there to help--I enjoyed every minute of (campaigning with him)," Underwood friend Pat Daugherty said. "He was a modest and humble man, with good character, good morals. (He was) 'the good stuff'."

“It is with great sadness that we learn of the passing of former Gov.
Cecil Underwood. He was an alumnus of West Virginia University and dedicated his entire life to serving and improving West Virginia. He had the distinction of being the youngest and the oldest elected governor of West Virginia, and he also provided his talents and abilities as a leader in higher education (as president of Salem College and Bethany
College) and in service to the coal and chemical industries. We thank him for his service to the state of West Virginia and will miss his leadership. I know his son, Craig, one of WVU’s distinguished Rhodes Scholars, and I and all of West Virginia University extend our most heartfelt sympathies to Craig and the entire Underwood family," WVU President Peter Magrath said.

(Some information supplied by the Associated Press)