Governor Roy Cooper ordered all U.S. and North Carolina flags at state facilities to half-staff immediately until sunset Tuesday, August 15 in honor of former North Carolina House of Representative E. Graham Bell, Sr. who passed away on Friday, August 11. A native of Gastonia, North Carolina, Bell served as a member of the Gaston County Commissioners and five terms in the NC House of Representatives beginning in 1973.

Funeral services for Bell will be held today in Gastonia.

Statement from Governor Cooper:"I’m so sorry to learn of the death of my friend Graham Bell. Graham had a long career of fighting for others who needed help and didn’t have a voice. I’m grateful for his public service and leadership across Gaston County and North Carolina and he will be greatly missed."

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Individuals, businesses, schools, municipalities, counties and other government subdivisions are also encouraged to fly flags at half-staff for the duration of time indicated.