Wow. I hope he repented before he died. I’m not being “holier than thou” either.
He was one of a very few Senators who would openly talk religion from the chamber. I recall an Easter speech he gave, I think just after his wife died, and IMO, it was as good as many a sermon. Below is a link to a different speech ...
Byrd speech on school prayer - April 2006
I have said it before, and I will say it again: I do not agree with many of the decisions that have come from the courts concerning prayer in school or prohibiting the display of religious items in public places. I believe that, in ruling after ruling, U.S. courts led by the Supreme Court have been moving closer and closer to prohibiting the free exercise of religion in America. It chills my soul.
Oddly enough, most klansmen thought they were warriors of Jesus Christ. Thus the white robes, burning crosses etc.