ROCKY MOUNT, N.C. (AP) — Former U.S. Rep. Tim Valentine of Nashville, who also served as a state legislator, has died at the age of 89.
Valentine died Tuesday, said Sherry Peace with Wheeler and Woodlief Funeral Home in Rocky Mount.
“When you grow up in the same neighborhood, you get to learn the real character of people,” Attorney General Roy Cooper, who grew up two blocks from Valentine in Nashville, told the Rocky Mount Telegram. “His quick wit was legendary, and he had a way to add humor even in the toughest of times. That helped him be a great leader and public servant.”
The Democrat served in the U.S. House from 1983 to 1995, representing what was then the 2nd Congressional District. It included parts of the Raleigh-Durham area. He also served in the North Carolina House from 1955 to 1960.
After his state House terms, he served as a legal adviser and legislative counsel to Gov. Dan Moore.
Valentine served in the U.S. Army Air Corps in World War II. He graduated from the Citadel in Charleston, South Carolina, in 1948 and graduated from law school at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill in 1952.
After retiring from Congress, Valentine helped create the Tar River Land Conservancy and served on the board of directors of the Country Doctor Museum in Bailey.
“He lived a good life and made a real difference – no question about it,” Cooper said.
A funeral is scheduled for 2 p.m. Saturday at Lakeside Baptist Church in Rocky Mount.
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