RALEIGH (AP) - State Rep. Howard Hunter Jr.(NCCU 1968), a Democrat from Hertford County who was elected to a 10th term in November, died Sunday, said a spokeswoman for House Speaker Jim Black.

 

A cause of death for Hunter, who had been hospitalized in recent years, was not immediately available Sunday.

 

Hunter, who ran a funeral home in Ahoskie, represented the northeastern counties of Bertie, Hertford, Gates, and Perquimans.

 

He served as vice chairman of the House Appropriations Committee.

 

Hunter was a former Hertford County commissioner and served on boards including the N.C. Institute of Minority Economic Development and the Northampton County chapter of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People.

 

Hunter easily defeated Republican Kyle Jones in the November election.

 

Gov. Mike Easley will appoint a replacement to serve Hunter's two-year term, which began Jan. 1. Democratic leaders from Hunter's district are to recommend a replacement.

 

Hunter's death comes days before House Democrats are scheduled to meet to pick a nominee for speaker. The General Assembly convenes Jan. 24.

 Hunter’s Funeral Home in Ahoskie will handle all arrangements.  Phone:  252-332-3130