NORTH CAROLINA -- John McCain is leaving behind a legacy in the United States. North Carolina leaders are among those sharing positive memories and statements about the former senator.

• North Carolina Sen. Thom Tillis and McCain served together for years on the armed services committee
• House Speaker Tim Moore also shared memories of McCain
• Governor Cooper ordered flags to fly half staff this week in honor of McCain

North Carolina Sen. Thom Tillis and McCain served together for years on the armed services committee. Tillis called McCain not only a mentor but a friend.

RELATED: Sen. Thom Tillis on the late Sen. John McCain

Tillis recalls how McCain's primary focus has always been the men and women in uniform. He shared a special memory during Tillis' campaign when McCain found himself in Fayetteville supporting Tillis. 

"He gets up here in the senate and he can be one crusty tough guy but when you got him out there relating to (veterans) as a human being it just shows how warm and caring he was and then he got up there and advocated for them like the lion he was," Tillis said. 

Another North Carolina man who was very appreciative of McCain's work is House Speaker Tim Moore. He says he met McCain on a couple occasions and always remembers how down to earth he was but also how vigilant he was when it came to getting things done for his constituents.

"You can't help but be impressed with the service of this man. A great leader politically a war hero and just a quality person all around, and just the contributions to this nation are going to be remembered for decades," Moore said. 

Governor Cooper ordered flags to fly half staff this week in honor of McCain.

RELATED: Gov. Cooper orders flags at half staff in honor of McCain