Virginia Foxx: “We are here tonight to pay tribute to the dean of the North Carolina delegation and our beloved colleague of many years…”

“We are here tonight to pay tribute to the dean of the North Carolina delegation and our beloved colleague of many years, Howard Coble. Howard Coble has been a dedicated public servant to the people of North Carolina and a champion for honest, effective government. For three decades, he has taken great care to represent the values and concerns of Sixth District residents. {time} 1930 It is a profound honor to call Howard a dear friend, and it saddens me to think about coming here in the next Congress without his wisdom or signature wit. Wearing his trademark plaid jackets, Howard has been a champion for his constituents, whether in Washington or back in North Carolina. 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. Always ready with a cheerful greeting and a welcoming smile for whoever crossed his path, it is clear Howard cares about the little details that mean so much to average North Carolinians. Those who met him know of his characteristic penchant for inquiring about their alma mater and then rattling off the corresponding mascot. Perhaps the most fitting summary of Howard's personality is that he is the essence of what it means to be a southern gentleman: someone who simply exudes kindness, charm, and compassion. And let's not forget that he was named the sexiest bachelor in Congress by BuzzFeed earlier this year.…”