The Capital City is mourning the loss of a longtime Baton Rouge pastor and community leader.

Reverend Lee Wesley was widely known for his vision to bring people together.

"Baton Rouge has lost a tremendous asset and a tremendous voice," family friend Raymond Jetson said.

He was a spiritual father to some and a voice of hope for the community. Reverend Wesley was a light to everyone he touched, and he touched the lives of many.

"People were able to sense just how genuine he was, and he drew people to him. He was able to lead them just by the power of his personal commitment that he brought to things," Jetson said .

Reverend Wesley was the pastor of Community Bible Baptist Church in Scotlandville and Plymouth Rock Baptist Church in Plaquemine. He also played an instrumental role in forming the Together Baton Rouge organization.

He was widely recognized for his contributions to save the Capital Area Transit System, and expanding Medicaid throughout the state. Those who knew him say he was fearless in his pursuit of change.

"Years ago, CATS had no dedicated funding stream. It was Reverend Wesley who led the charge to organize a dedicated funding stream. A tax that would save the bus system," Khalid Hudson with Together Baton Rouge said.

With a grand vision to bring people together, those who knew him say he was able to do that and much more.

"It wasn't just limited to one area of the community. He actually cared about the whole parish as a whole," Hudson said.

Those who knew Reverend Wesley recognize him for committing his life to fighting for those whose voices often went unheard.

Wesley leaves behind a wife, two sons and a daughter. He was 76 years old.