By Susan Dickson
Staff Writer
CHAPEL HILL — Former U.S. Congressman Ike Andrews, who served six terms as the representative from North Carolina’s 4th Congressional District, died Monday in an assisted-living facility at the age of 84.
Born in Bonlee in Chatham County in 1925, Andrews is known for his work on the House Education and Labor Committee, where he served as chair of its human-services subcommittee. He held the seat Rep. David Price now holds from 1973 until his 1985 defeat by Republican Bill Cobey.
“Ike Andrews was a mentor and friend to me for many years and his death is a great personal loss to me and many others in our shared home of Chatham County,†House Speaker Joe Hackney said in a statement. “He gave me my start in politics and perhaps more than anyone convinced me to pursue a life of public service.â€
Hackney, Andrews’ former son-in-law, once served as Andrews’ campaign manager.
On Tuesday, Price addressed the House and led a moment of silence for Andrews.
“Ike Andrews rose from humble beginnings in the small town of Bonlee in Chatham County, North Carolina to the halls of Congress,†Price said. “His work in North Carolina was an opening act to a congressional career particularly devoted to the cause of education. Education changed his life, and he wanted to make sure that other people of modest means would have the same opportunities.
“Today, as I think of his work in this body, I look back with appreciation that it helped shape North Carolina’s Triangle region as we know it today – a vibrant place of learning and research and innovation.â€
Prior to serving in Congress, Andrews practiced law in Chatham County. During World War II, he served from 1943 to 1945 as a field artillery forward observer in the U.S. Army.
He was elected to the North Carolina State Senate in 1959 and then to the North Carolina House of Representatives in 1961, where he served until his 1972 election to Congress. After leaving Congress, Andrews returned to his law practice.
“He was devoted to improving the education of our children and to creating equal opportunity for all of them, a belief he carried out by helping to end segregation in our schools. Our state and nation are better today because of his work,†Hackney said. “I will miss my friend and the wisdom and values that he shared with me. I will miss his good-humored annual celebration of Groundhog Day, his kindness and his spirit and I send my deep regrets to his family during this time of mourning.â€
Andrews is survived by his wife, JoAnn Johnson Andrews; daughter, Alice Joyce, and her husband, Bob Joyce; granddaughter, Laura Joyce; and grandson, Kevin Joyce.
The funeral will be held today (Thursday) at 2 p.m. at Bonlee Baptist Church. The burial will follow at Hope Cemetery in Bonlee.