MONTGOMERY, Alabama Former Alabam Gov. George C. Wallace, who declared 'segregation forever'' and later was paralyzed by a would-be assassin's bullet as he campaigned for the presidency in 1972, died Sunday. He was 79. Wallace, a lifelong Democrat who late in life began supporting some Republican candidates, had battled Parkinson's disease as well as the lingering effects of his wounds. He had been hospitalized repeatedly.

Wallace entered the hospital Thursday, suffering from breathing problems and septic shock caused by a severe bacterial infection. He also had been hospitalized this summer with similar problems. The former governor died of respiratory and cardiac arrest, Jackson hospital officials said. Wallace's son, George Wallace Jr., and one of his daughters, Peggy Wallace Kennedy, were at his side when he died.

Gov. Wallace has shown tremendous courage for many years in living an active life despite his pain and injury,'' Gov. Fob James said. This example is an inspiration to us all. Gov. Wallace now rests with God and with history.'' Former President Jimmy Carter issued a statement, praising Wallace for changing his long-held views on race and his courage in the face of illness and physical handicap.'' With the death of George Wallace, Alabama and the American south have lost one of our favorites sons,'' Carter said.

'His political career both helped to define and to reflect the political life of our region.'' As a third-party candidate in 1968, Wallace received nearly 10 million presidential votes and seemed poised to do as well four years later when he was shot. (AP)