James E. Proctor Jr., Maryland Delegate For 25 Years, Dies

ANNAPOLIS, Md. (AP) -- Del. James E. Proctor Jr., who has represented Prince George's and Charles counties for 25 years, has died, state officials say.

The governor, Senate President and House Speaker issued statements of condolence on Thursday, but did not say when or where Proctor, who was 79, died. Information on funeral arrangements was also not immediately available.

According to the Maryland Manual, Proctor, a Democrat, served in the U.S. Air Force in the 1960s, and earned bachelor's and master's degrees from then-Bowie State College.

Proctor was appointed to the House of Delegates to succeed William McCaffrey, who retired in 1990. He was vice chairman of the House Appropriations Committee and was a member of the Maryland Legislative Black Caucus.

Gov. Larry Hogan ordered Maryland flags to fly at half-staff to honor Proctor.
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