HOUSTON -- A man known for dedicating his life to protecting the community and who became the first African-American constable in Harris County was laid to rest on Saturday, KPRC Local 2 reported.

Family, friends and fellow law enforcement officers gathered to say goodbye to A.B. Chambers, who died Sunday in his home at 94.

He began serving Harris County Precinct 7 in 1973 and was known for his determination and kindness.

"I call him our buddy because he truly cared about people's family he was a constable in the old sense of the word -- wondered about neighbors and what was happening. He cared about you," U.S. Rep. Shelia Jackson Lee said.

"It is a celebration. But there's a certain amount of sadness when you lose a legend. But we're proud of the reputation and assets he brought to the community and the good that he did," U.S. Rep. Al Green said.

Precinct 7 Constable May Walker remembered how he touched many lives.

"He was the type of person -- when you walked in the room, if he was sitting, he would stand up and tip his hat. He was from the old school. He was what we expect out of young men today. I'm very proud to be part of this celebration," she said.

"He really was a servant of the community. He was a friend of the people and A.B. Chambers was a definite officer and a gentleman," Sunnyside resident Sandra Hines said.

Chambers was known as a history maker. In 1963, he was appointed the first black constable in Texas.

"If it wasn't for him, I would not be here. He paved the way to have blacks in the constable's office in Harris County and I know I could have never had been the first female if it was not for him," she said.

"He's a pioneer, a leader, someone who made a real impact on this community, in fact, nationally. He was well known throughout the nation," former Houston Mayor Lee Brown said.

Chambers' funeral was held at Holman Street Baptist Church.