Former North Carolina state Sen. David Hoyle dies at 84

By 
 March 30, 2023

The Associated Press reported that former North Carolina Democratic state Sen. David Hoyle passed away this week at the age of 84. 

Hoyle's son, David Hoyle Jr., told the Associated Press that his father suffered a deterioration in his health after suffering a stroke several years ago.

From mayor to state senator

The news service noted that in addition to his son, Hoyle is survived by his wife, Linda, daughter, Lonnia Beam along with his three grandchildren and four great-grandchildren.

Originally from Gaston County, Hoyle attended Lenoir-Rhyne University before going on to pursue a career in real estate as well as serving on the boards of multiple businesses.

Hoyle was elected mayor of Dallas, North Carolina in 1967 and later joined North Carolina's Board of Transportation before entering the state Senate in 1993.

There he and fellow Democratic state Sen. Tony Rand were considered close allies of long-time Senate Leader Marc Basnight.

Governor remembers Hoyle for his "warmth and wit"

Hoyle served nine terms in the state Senate and became co-chairman of the Senate Finance Committee, where the Associated Press states that he was "involved in most every major tax and finance effort in North Carolina over a 15-year period."

Hoyle remained in the state Senate until 2010 when he was appointed to the cabinet of Democratic Gov. Beverly Perdue, acting as secretary of revenue.

Hoyle's passing was remarked upon by North Carolina Democratic Gov. Roy Cooper, who tweeted that the former lawmaker, "brought his practical business experience and compassion for the people of his district to the legislature, and North Carolina is a better place for his work."

Bipartisan praise

"His willingness to challenge the status quo plus his warmth and wit made him a strong senator and mayor and a great friend," Cooper continued, adding, "Our prayers are with Linda, their son David and daughter Lonnia and all those who loved him."

Praise for Hoyle was not limited to Democrats, with the Associated Press quoting Republican state Senate leader Phil Berger as saying that he "was a champion for the business community and college accessibility."

Berger stressed that Hoyle "was active in his community and a proud son of Gaston County," adding, "My deepest sympathies go out to his wife, Linda, and his children, David Jr. and Lonnia."

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