Ralph Campbell Jr., the first black person elected to a statewide Council of State office, died Tuesday of lung cancer at age 64. Before he was elected state auditor, Campbell served on the Raleigh City Council from 1985 to 1992.

Mayor Charles Meeker, who served with Campbell on the council, said this Wednesday about Campbell's death:

“Ralph Campbell, Jr., was a great friend to the City of Raleigh and served as our ambassador to our Sister City Compiegne.Ralph also worked on many public improvements including the renovation of Murphey School for senior housing. Raleigh is honored to have had Ralph be a life-long citizen and statesman. We will miss his contributions and humor greatly.”

Former state auditor Ralph Campbell Jr. and Fayetteville car dealer Robert F. Bleecker have been issued subpoenas for the Easley hearing, which begins Monday.