Funeral services will be held Tuesday for Jesse Helms.

The former North Carolina Republican senator passed away on the Fourth of July.

During his three decades in the Senate, Helms was a powerful voice of conservatism.

He fought against communists, gay rights, racial preferences and even fellow Republicans.

And whether his constituents loved him or hated him, they respected him.

"I myself did not agree with him many times on political matters, but I always respected the courage of his convictions," Thomas Currin, a member of Helms' church.  "He was a good senator and a good citizen and I think he should be remembered in that manner."

President Bush says he once asked Helms if he had any ambitions beyond the U.S. Senate.

The president says Helms replied, "the only thing I am running for now is the kingdom of Heaven."

Jesse Helms was 86.