Hudson, Fellow Congressmen Honor Howard Coble

U.S. Rep. Richard Hudson recently led the annual honoring of longtime North Carolina Congressman Howard Coble.

Representatives from the state mark Coble’s birthday of March 18 by dressing in the style for which he stood out on Capitol Hill. Known for sporting bright madras and plaid patterns, Coble served in Congress from 1985 to 2015 and was widely known for his gregarious personality, bipartisanship and sartorial choices. His congressional district included Moore County for years, 

“I’m proud to join my colleagues to honor the life and legacy of the former Dean of the North Carolina Delegation, Congressman Howard Coble,” said Hudson, whose district now includes Moore County. “Howard dedicated his life to serving North Carolina, doing so with kindness, humility, and integrity. He was a passionate leader, guided by his conservative principles and values.

“He set the standard for constituent service, working everyday on behalf of the people of North Carolina. Howard was a mentor for me and so many others and left a lasting impact that we will never forget.”

Coble passed away in 2015. To honor him and keep his memory alive, Hudson has worn a madras blazer every year around Howard’s birthday. Other members of the North Carolina delegation joined him in wearing madras or plaid blazers.

Coble attended Appalachian State University before joining the U.S. Coast Guard, serving active duty for five years and as a reservist for 18 years.

Upon his discharge, he graduated from Guilford College and earned a law degree at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill.

Coble worked as an insurance agent, as a practicing attorney and was Secretary of Revenue under former North Carolina Governor James Holshouser.

In 1979, Howard was elected to the North Carolina House of Representatives, serving until his election to the United States House of Representatives in 1984.