LUMBERTON — Former Lumberton mayor and state senator Hector MacLean has died at the age of 92.

MacLean died in his sleep on Friday, The Robesonian newspaper reported, citing an email from MacLean’s son-in-law.

He was the son of Angus Wilton MacLean, North Carolina’s governor from 1925 to 1929. The 1996 N.C. Business Hall of Fame inductee was a former president of Lumberton Bank, which went on to become BB&T.

MacLean was born on Sept. 15, 1920 in Baltimore, Md., according to his business hall of fame profile page.

Hector MacLean was raised in Lumberton, received a political science degree from Davidson College in 1941, and served as a major in the U.S. Army during World War II. He ultimately received a Bronze Star for his service, according to his Business Hall of Fame profile.

He enrolled in UNC Law School after returning from the war, the profile states, and practiced law in Lumberton after receiving his degree in 1948.

MacLean served as Lumberton mayor from 1949 to 1953, and he went on to serve in the state senate from 1961 to 1971. In 2005, U.S. Rep. Mike McIntyre delivered a tribute to MacLean in the U.S. House of Representatives, saying that MacLean had been pivotal to his area’s growth, even persuading the Governor to build Interstate-95 through Lumberton.

“Hector played a large role in bringing economic development and positive change to Lumberton and Robeson County,” McIntyre said.

MacLean was also elected as an elder emeritus of the First Presbyterian Church in Lumberton, the congregation’s highest honor, said Pastor Matt Rich.

“He was well-respected throughout our church and community,” Rich said. “We are seeing one additional member of the old pillars of Lumberton pass on to life eternal. His loss will certainly be felt throughout our community.”

MacLean married the late Lyl Warrick in 1944, and is survived by his daughter, Lyl Clinard, who lives in High Point with her husband Aaron, according to the Robesonian.

The Robesonian reported that a funeral is planned for Tuesday, and Biggs Funeral Home is in charge of the arrangements.

Smialek: 919-829-4954