A long-serving Democratic state representative in the North Carolina General Assembly passed away unexpectedly on Friday.

State Rep. Kelly Alexander Jr., who was hailed by some as an iconic leader for the Charlotte community, was 75, according to The Charlotte Observer.

A cause of death for Alexander has not yet been revealed, nor have the details of any plans for his funeral or memorial services.

Family mourns their unexpected loss

The Observer noted that Alexander's death was announced by his family in a social media post on Friday that read: "It is with deep regret that the Alexander family shares the passing of our brother, brother-in-law, friend, and community leader, North Carolina Representative Kelly Alexander Jr., who left us this morning."

"Kelly’s unwavering commitment to his city, district, state, and this nation has been both profound and heartfelt throughout the years," the statement continued. "This loss has come as a shock to us, and we kindly ask the public for privacy as we process this and plan to celebrate his life in the coming days."

"We will share more details in the near future. We are truly grateful for the outpouring of love, support, and condolences we have already received from family, friends, and the community," the grieving family added.

Civil rights leader, legislator, and local businessman

WBTV reported that Alexander was a Charlotte native who graduated from the University of North Carolina-Chapel Hill with multiple degrees and had the distinction of operating the oldest black-owned business in Mecklenburg County -- a funeral home he ran with his brother.

In 2008, he was elected as a Democrat to represent North Carolina's House District 107 in the General Assembly and had served on multiple legislative committees during his 16 years in office.

Prior to serving as an elected official, Alexander was the president of the North Carolina chapter of the NAACP, and over the years he served the community on a variety of different boards and commissions, including "the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Planning Commission, Friendship Community Development Corporation, Governors Commission on Workforce Preparedness, NC Martin Luther King, Jr. Commission, NAACP National Board of Directions," among others.

"Statesman. Icon. Civil Rights leader. Friend. Supporter. Charlottean," Charlotte city councilman Malcolm Graham told WBTV of Alexander. "Representing West Charlotte, he spoke out against injustice anytime he saw it, and he just did what was right for our community. Whether you’re Black, white, rich, poor, young, old, he was there to lend a helping hand."

Remembered for his years of dedicated service

WRAL News reported that Alexander was known in the state legislature as a civil rights activist who focused on anti-poverty and criminal justice reform measures, including the legalization of marijuana, who had just concluded his service in June when the legislative session ended after announcing previously that he would not seek re-election to another term this year.

"Kelly was an incredible mentor for me personally from the day I walked into the General Assembly," State Rep. Robert Reives, the Democratic leader in the State House, said Friday. "He taught me a lot about life and politics during many late nights spent in Raleigh at the Legislative Building. He always spoke about the future and how we could continue to improve North Carolina."

In a social media post, Charlotte Mayor Vi Lyles said, "Kelly was a civil rights leader, following in his father’s footsteps as NC NAACP president, and a tireless advocate for equality. His legacy of service, compassion, and fighting for justice will forever inspire our city. My heart goes out to his loved ones and all whose lives he touched."

And, despite admitted differences on many political issues, bipartisan condolences were offered to Alexander and his family by U.S. Sen. Thom Tillis (R-NC), per the Observer, who recalled working together previously in the General Assembly, and GOP State House Speaker Tim Morre, per WRAL, who heralded the legislator as "a dedicated public servant who worked tirelessly" on behalf of his constituents in Charlotte.