A Triangle man would rather give up his 30-year career than fly a flag in honor of former Senator Jesse Helms.

Following the news of former Senator Jesse Helms' death Friday, Gov. Mike Easley ordered state flags flown at half staff.

L.F. Eason, a Department of Agriculture worker and manager, disagreed with Helms' views refused. He retired on the spot.

"What I did technically was wrong; the flags belong to the State of North Carolina," Eason said.

Eason might not own the flags outside the Standards Lab where he worked, but he does own his opinion when it comes to honoring Helms.

"I could not go to the lab if the flags were half-staff," Eason said. "His votes against civil rights couldn't be interpreted as anything other than racism, bigotry and sexism."

The 51-year-old Eason said he felt like it would be best for him to retire, which he was eligible for, rather than fly the flags at half staff. Eason wrote an e-mail to his employees, his superiors and Gov. Easley explaining his decision.

Despite reports that Eason was given an ultimatum to fly the flags or leave, Brian Long, a spokesman for the Department of Agriculture, said that is not true.

"Mr. Eason was told that if he didn't comply with the governor's order to fly the flag at half staff that he could be subject to disciplinary action," Long said. "It was affecting the other employees that worked there it was putting them in an awkward position as well."

Eason said he realizes that and has no hard feelings toward the department.

"I thought it was going to be easier, but it's really hard to leave," Eason said.

Ironically Eason leaves with one of the same legacies Helms will be remembered for -- standing up for what he believes in.

The state flag did end up flying at half staff.

Eason said his wife was hesitant about his decision but supports him. He said he would consider taking his old job back if offered but said he's already had two job offers out of state.