The longest serving Republican U.S. House member from North Carolina has died. Congressman Howard Coble passed away on Tuesday night.
Howard Coble's nephew made the announcement, saying the former congressman died at a Greensboro hospital.
Ray Coble Jr. said Wednesday his uncle died after a long hospitalization following several health problems, including skin cancer.
Howard Coble was a Greensboro native. He represented North Carolina's 6th Congressional District from 1985 to 2015, when health issues prevented him from seeking re-election.
Coble graduated from Guilford College. He had a long political and military career, including nearly 30 years in the Coast Guard. He was an assistant federal prosecutor, state revenue secretary under Gov. Jim Holshouser and state House member before his initial 1984 congressional victory.
In a statement, Gov. Pat McCrory praised Coble's service and sincerity.
"With the passing of Howard Coble, North Carolina not only lost a wonderful public servant and congressmen, but our state also lost a friend and mentor to so many, including myself," McCrory said. "He was a friend who was genuine, hardworking, sincere and honest. We will all miss our friend, but we'll never forget him and the good things he did for our country, our state and so many of us individually."
McCrory has asked that all U.S. and North Carolina flags be lowered in Coble's honor.
Funeral arrangements had not been determined early Wednesday.
Howard Coble was 84.
Some remembrances from around the web:
NC not only lost a wonderful public servant, but also a friend and mentor to so many, including myself. #ncpol pic.twitter.com/ADD1FnTlti — Pat McCrory (@PatMcCroryNC) November 4, 2015
Howard Coble was a friend, colleague, mentor & true statesman. He represented his constituents with passion https://t.co/rfzXmO3RAi — Richard Burr (@SenatorBurr) November 4, 2015
Our thoughts and prayers are with Howard Coble's family and friends. He was an exemplary Guilford alum. https://t.co/8ySGjc6kF7 — GuilfordCollege (@GuilfordCollege) November 4, 2015
@GovOfficeNC orders U.S. & N.C. Flags lowered in honor of Congressman Howard Coble. pic.twitter.com/MNHINEMdFr — NC National Guard (@NCNationalGuard) November 4, 2015