(CHAPEL HILL) -- A North Carolina icon has died at the age of 92. Dr. Bill Friday, who led the University of North Carolina system for three decades, was one of the most revered figures in the state.

Former North Carolina Attorney General Rufus Edmisten describes what passed for a power lunch with Dr. Friday.

He loved to come eat in the K & W cafeteria in Raleigh. And sometimes I would call Dr. Friday and say ‘Doctor! Are you coming? When are you coming over to the  K & W?’ and here he would come and we just have a nice lunch and talk about things at the K & W Cafeteria.”

Friday served three decades at the helm of the UNC system. He died on the 219th birthday of the University of North Carolina.