RALEIGH -- Senator Martin Nesbitt died Thursday after being diagnosed with stomach cancer. He is being remembered fondly by his colleagues as someone who looked out for those less fortunate. Services for the longtime Asheville lawmaker have now been planned.

Wake County Senator Josh Stein says Nesbitt provided an example for others to follow.

"The reason he was a democrat was because he believed in helping people. And that is an enduring legacy. It is what motivates me to be a Democrat, it is what motivates a lot of my colleagues to be Democrat."

Nesbitt's funeral will be held Tuesday afternoon at Biltmore Baptist Church in Arden, with a private burial to follow. A visitation will be held before the service at the church. Nesbitt relinquished his position as Senate Minority leader earlier in this week.