Fred Dalton Thompson

Fred Dalton Thompson died Sunday November 1, 2015 in Nashville at the age of 73. The former lawmaker, GOP presidential contender, Watergate lawyer and "Law and Order" star died following complications from non-Hodgkin lymphoma.

The Celebration of Mr. Thompson life is set for 10 a.m. Friday November 6, 2015 at War Memorial Auditorium in downtown Nashville. The service is open to the public.

A private family burial after the public service in Lawrenceburg, Tenn., where Thompson was raised,

"Fred once said that the experiences he had growing up in small-town Tennessee formed the prism through which he viewed the world and shaped the way he dealt with life," his family said in a statement Sunday.

"Fred stood on principle and common sense, and had a deep love for and connection with the people across Tennessee whom he had the privilege to serve in the United States Senate. He enjoyed a hearty laugh, a strong handshake, a good cigar, and a healthy dose of humility. Fred was the same man on the floor of the Senate, the movie studio, or the town square of Lawrenceburg, his home."

Remembrances from dignitaries and fans across the country came in as news spread of Thompson's death. U.S. Sens. Lamar Alexander and Bob Corker, former Vice President Al Gore, Tennessee Gov. Bill Haslam and a slew of others passed along condolences in the hours after Thompson's passing.

Thompson is survived by his wife, Jeri, and their two children, Hayden and Sammy; his brother, Ken; his two adult sons, Dan and Tony (his daughter Betsy is deceased); and grandchildren Dalton, Rachel, Lindsey, Adrian and Antonio.

In lieu of flowers, the Thompson family is asking for donations to these organizations:

•Alive Hospice, 1718 Patterson Street, Nashville, TN 37203

•Boys & Girls Clubs of Middle Tennessee, 1704 Charlotte Ave, Suite 200, Nashville, TN 37203

•Mayo Clinic, Department of Development, 200 First Street SW, Rochester, MN 55905

•MusiCorps, P.O. Box 73051, Washington, DC 20056

Arrangements under the direction of Woodlawn-Roesch-Patton Funeral Home & Memorial Park

660 Thompson Lane

Nashville, TN. 37204