US Senator. He served in the United States Senate from the state of North Carolina from January 3, 1975 to January 3, 1981. He attended both East Carolina University and Wake Forest University Law School, where he earned his B.S. and J.D. degrees. From 1944 to 1946, he served in the United States Navy and later was recalled during the Korean Conflict. He went on to serve in both the United States Naval and Air Force Reserve. In 1950, he was admitted to the North Carolina state bar and for the next four years, he served as the county clerk and judge of probate for Harnett County, North Carolina. From 1955 to 1969, he served in the North Carolina State Senate and rose to its highest officer, President Pro Tempore. In 1968, he ran in the Democratic Party primary for the post of attorney general and was successful in defeating incumbent Wade Bruton. He also was successful in November general election that year and went on to hold the post for the next six years. In 1974, he decided to run for the United States Senate seat that was being vacated by the retiring Sen. Sam Ervin and was successful in the general election. He would go on to serve in the Senate for one term until losing his re-election bid to Republican John East in 1980. After leaving the Senate, he served as director of the North Carolina State Bureau of Investigations from 1985 to 1992. He also practiced law until his passing.
US Senator. He served in the United States Senate from the state of North Carolina from January 3, 1975 to January 3, 1981. He attended both East Carolina University and Wake Forest University Law School, where he earned his B.S. and J.D. degrees. From 1944 to 1946, he served in the United States Navy and later was recalled during the Korean Conflict. He went on to serve in both the United States Naval and Air Force Reserve. In 1950, he was admitted to the North Carolina state bar and for the next four years, he served as the county clerk and judge of probate for Harnett County, North Carolina. From 1955 to 1969, he served in the North Carolina State Senate and rose to its highest officer, President Pro Tempore. In 1968, he ran in the Democratic Party primary for the post of attorney general and was successful in defeating incumbent Wade Bruton. He also was successful in November general election that year and went on to hold the post for the next six years. In 1974, he decided to run for the United States Senate seat that was being vacated by the retiring Sen. Sam Ervin and was successful in the general election. He would go on to serve in the Senate for one term until losing his re-election bid to Republican John East in 1980. After leaving the Senate, he served as director of the North Carolina State Bureau of Investigations from 1985 to 1992. He also practiced law until his passing.
Bio by: Find a Grave
