RALEIGH — Flags across North Carolina will fly at half-staff today in honor of Jimmy Goins, a former Lumbee tribal chairman who was killed in a car accident on Sunday.
Gov. Pat McCrory ordered all North Carolina flags at state facilities to be lowered to half-staff from sunrise to sunset.
“He will always be remembered for his service and dedication to the Lumbee people, the state and the entire nation,” McCrory said Monday.
Goins served two three-year terms as tribal chairman, from 2004 to 2010, and was instrumental in moving the Lumbee Recognition Bill through both the U.S. House and U.S. Senate. Before becoming chairman he was a member of the Lumbee Tribal Council and helped develop the tribal government and the Lumbee Tribal Constitution.
“Chairman Goins was a people person, who was always willing to listen and help where he could,” Greg Richardson, executive director of the NC Commission of Indian Affairs, said in a statement. “He had vision and compassion for his people and his country.”
A funeral will be held at 3 p.m. today at Prospect United Methodist Church. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to UNCP Foundation towards The Goins Family Endowed Scholarship.
Goins, 66, was killed Sunday in a single-car accident as he was traveling alone on N.C. 71 on Sunday. According to a report filed by Trooper S.C. Hunt, Goins was traveling south when his vehicle ran off the road to the right, struck a highway sign and overturned before striking a tree and coming to a rest on its top.
Citing the Highway Patrol, The Fayetteville Observer reports that Goins was unable to make a curve as his vehicle was estimated to be traveling 75 mph. The posted speed limit on the road is 55 mph.
