RALEIGH, N.C. – Senators say former Gov. Bob Scott served North Carolina by promoting civil rights in a turbulent era and by caring about the average person.

The Senate passed a resolution Thursday honoring Scott’s life. He died Jan. 23 at age 79.

Scott served as governor from 1969 to 1973 and lieutenant governor before that. He later served as head of the state community college system.

Sen. Floyd McKissick of Durham County recalled that Scott came to his predominantly black church in the 1960s. McKissick said such a visit could have hurt Scott politically.

Scott was a member of one of North Carolina’s most famous political families. His father, Kerr Scott, also served as governor and U.S. senator. His grandfather and an uncle served in the Legislature.