Beaufort County Commissioner Gary Brinn died Tuesday night, after a long illness.

Brinn, a Beaufort County native and one of five Republicans on the board, was in his second term on the Beaufort County Board of Commissioners.

“Gary was a great guy. His heart was always in the right place, trying to the right thing. I enjoyed working for him,” said Beaufort County Manager Brian Alligood. “My thoughts and prayers are with his family.”

According to state statute, the executive committee of the Beaufort County Republican Party has 30 days to submit their choice to fill Brinn’s seat to the Beaufort County Board of Commissioners. Board approval of the candidate is not required to fill the vacant seat.

(An early version of this article stated that the Beaufort County Board of Commissioners must approve the candidate submitted by Republican party. Board approval is not required.)