Terry Everett, who represented southeast Alabama as a congressman for eight terms, died Tuesday. He was 87.

Gov. Kay Ivey announced Everett’s death in a statement.

“Congressman Everett passed away peacefully in his sleep this morning at his home in Rehobeth. Terry tirelessly served the people of southeast Alabama and his native Wiregrass with distinction for eight terms in Congress,” the governor said. “During his time on Capitol Hill, he was one of the strongest voices for Alabama’s military bases, active duty personnel, and veterans. He was also a stalwart advocate for Alabama farmers and small businesses.

“Alabama greatly benefitted from his leadership and his devotion to public service,” she added

The governor directed flags at the Alabama Capitol Complex and in the state’s 2nd Congressional District to be lowered until Everett’s burial.

Everett served eight terms in the U.S. House of Representatives from 1993 to 2009.

Before he retired from Congress, Everett was ranking member on the strategic forces subcommittee of the House Armed Services Committee and developed a niche for space-related issues: satellites that affect the economy, communications, national security and intelligence operations worldwide.

He told AL.com in 2008 that he wanted to stay active on space-protection issues in a way that didn’t require a weekly commute from the Wiregrass to Washington.

He also farmed fruit trees and had a woodworking shop.

“I don’t believe in retirement,’’ Everett said at the time.