State officials mourn former TN House Majority Leader Gerald McCormick

From Local 3 News: Former State Rep. Gerald McCormick, who served constituents in Hamilton County and Chattanooga, has died at 63.

Tributes are pouring in from local and state officials for the former Tennessee House Majority Leader, who battled ALS (also known as Lou Gehrig's Disease).

Chattanooga Mayor Tim Kelly stated McCormick was a force of nature who worked tirelessly to make the Scenic City a better place to live.

"His ability to accomplish great things for our community - through his wisdom, humor and leadership across party lines - is a testament to his character and a shining example of what it means to serve," Kelly said. "On behalf of the entire city, I extend my deepest sympathies to Kim, Cooper, Scottie, and all who loved him."

Tennessee Secretary of State Tre Hargett said many call McCormick by his political title, but the titles of husband, father, grandfather, friend, and child of God were far more important to him:

"Gerald possessed so many positive attributes, and I admired him for them all, especially the humility he showed both publicly and privately, and of course, his sense of (often self-deprecating) humor.  I sought his counsel frequently.  In politics, people around us may be inclined to tell us what we want to hear, but Gerald was that colleague and friend who would tell you what you needed to hear. And he never did it to hurt you, but instead to build you up (1 Thessalonians 5:11)."

Current Tennessee Speaker of the House Cameron Sexton applauded McCormick for his brave fight with ALS.

"Gerald battled ALS the same as he lived life - determined, straight-forward, more compassion for others than for self and a deep love for family and friends," Sexton stated.

"He and Kim worked diligently with Vanderbilt’s ALS researchers to impact the lives of others diagnosed with this disease through revolutionary research, investment and policy."

McCormick was elected to legislature in 2004, alongside Tennessee State Senator Bo Watson:

"I saw firsthand how honorably he served and fiercely fought for all of his constituents. He was an exceptional legislator and a strong leader for the state of Tennessee. He faced his battle with ALS with incredible courage and strength. He was a good friend. My thoughts and prayers are with his family during this difficult time."

Funeral details have yet to be announced.