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He was a man who loved his people. He was a public servant who never took a penny of pension from the U.S. government. He was a congressman to whom political differences didn't matter. He was a humble North Carolinian, whose down-to-earth personality and humorous charm captivated North Carolina voters.

He was Howard Coble.

"It's not my seat, it's not a Howard Coble seat. It belongs to the people of the 6th district," he once said.

Coble passed away shortly before midnight Tuesday at the age of 84. He had been battling complications from skin cancer surgery and had an extended hospitalization. His brother Ray Coble, Jr. wrote in an e-mailed statement shortly before 4:45 a.m. Wednesday:

"The family wishes to thank Dr. Ali Hajazi and the staff of the Select Specialty Hospital in Greensboro for their excellent care.

Funeral Arrangements

A visitation will be held Tuesday, November 10 at Westover Church in Greensboro from 10:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. The funeral will be held the same day at 12:00 p.m. following visitation.

The Good Morning Show took its Wednesday morning coverage outside Coble's Greensboro office on North Elm Street, where he spent time away from Washington, D.C. working. It is a symbolic place, representing 30 years of public service that earned him the title of longest-serving North Carolina republican in Congress.

Gloria Mitchell, who worked in the adjacent Wilkinson Triad Reality, emotionally recalled:

"It felt like I was working next door to a friend."

She said, "He just came in and stuck his head in and said hey, I'm back from Washington. I just wanted to say hey to you."

Across the street at Brown and Gardiner, restaurant employees said Coble ate there nearly every day when he was in town -- ordering his usual lunch specialty of a kraut dog (not on the menu but stocked just for him) and a small shake.

"I'd say how you doing, Mr. Coble? He said I'm not Mr. Coble. I'm Howard," said Samantha Solis.

Wednesday morning, his regular breakfast pals saved a seat for him at their usual table.

Frank Holt said:

"We never heard him say a negative word about anybody.He was everybody's friend. We'd like to have another one just like him."

In announcing his retirement exactly two years ago this week, Coble tearfully said, "The friendships that I have nurtured for all those three decades are immeasurable and you all being here today, I can't tell you how much I appreciate that."

And, to his successors, he had these words of wisdom:

"Be accessible to your constituents, whether they voted for your or not, that's irrelevant. you represent them now and don't take that casually or for granted."

Statement from Mark Walker, who currently serves as 6th District Congressman:

"We are deeply saddened to learn of Congressman Howard Coble's passing today, but we are at peace knowing he is in a better place. Our community was blessed to have had his leadership in Washington for thirty years, but we were even more blessed to call him a friend and mentor.

During his time in Washington, Congressman Coble demonstrated that tone and approach still matter in politics. His statesmanship qualities allowed Howard to have friends on both sides of the aisle, which helped him advocate effectively for the needs and concerns of his constituents.

When I landed in Washington for the first time in January, there's no doubt that I had huge shoes to fill. During times back in the Sixth District, I would occasionally meet with Howard to receive his feedback. He would share many great stories and some of his favorite jokes. He represented North Carolina with humility, honor, and always a little humor.

Howard was one of a kind. He was a gentleman and one of the most sincere and kindest people I've ever known. Our community not only lost 'Our Congressman' today, but one of our heroes."

5th District Congress Rep. Virginia Foxx released this statement in remembrance of Former Rep. Howard Coble:

"Howard Coble was a dedicated public servant and a champion for his constituents. He never backed down from a challenge to do what was right for North Carolina and always pushed Washington to work better for those he represented. Howard was the essence of what it means to be a southern gentleman: someone who simply exuded kindness, charm and compassion. He was a man of integrity and principle, a representative who stood for what is right and who fought on behalf of what makes America great. He will be missed, but his legacy of service and devotion to North Carolina will continue to be the standard that current and future leaders follow."

Statement from Sen. Richard Burr:

"Howard Coble was a friend, colleague and a mentor. He was a true statesman and represented his constituents with passion and effectiveness. Howard will be missed but never forgotten by all who called him friend. It's a sad day for North Carolina but it is a joyous occasion that Howard is once again with his parents he loved so much."

Statement from NC Governor Pat McCrory:

"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. 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. Ann and I will keep the Coble family in our prayers during this difficult time."

Statement from Coble's Alma Mater, Guilford College, President Jane K. Fernandes:

"The entire Guilford College family is saddened at the death of our beloved alumnus Howard Coble. In a long life dedicated to public service, Howard was a humble and capable leader who was deeply committed to his nation and a friend to the constituents he served as a Congressman in North Carolina's Sixth District.

"We are very proud that Howard chose Guilford College for his undergraduate education and that he used the critical thinking and problem solving skills he learned at Guilford for the benefit of so many. Personally, I am grateful for the kind and gracious welcome he afforded me on my first day as president, and will dearly miss him."

Statement from Senator Thom Tillis:

"Susan and I are heartbroken to hear of Howard Coble's passing. He dedicated his life to improving the lives of others, first serving our nation as a Coast Guard captain during the Korean War, and then serving the people of North Carolina for 30 years in Congress. He was the true embodiment of a public servant who put the needs of constituents before all else, utilizing civility and finding common ground to solve problems both local and national.

"The many constituents, friends, and former staffers who had the honor of knowing Howard over the years will always remember his sterling character and gentle kindness, highlighted by a legendary sense of humor.

"Our nation would be far better off if we had more public servants like Howard Coble. He will be dearly missed by the people of North Carolina."

Statement from US Rep. Richard Hudson (NC-08):

"Renee and I were saddened to learn of the passing of my friend Howard Coble. Howard dedicated his life to serving North Carolina and did so with the utmost honor, integrity and kindness. He never met a stranger and set the standard for constituent service. We join North Carolina in mourning the loss of a true gentleman and faithful public servant, but find comfort in knowing Howard has found peace with our Savior. We will continue to keep his family and friends in our prayers during this difficult time."

Share your memories of Coble and condolences to the Coble family on the WFMY News 2 Facebook page or Twitter, using the hashtag #RIPCoble.

http://www.wfmynews2.com/story/news/2015/11/04/howard-coble-dies-84-district-6/75144194/