Staff report
* Obituary
ROCKINGHAM — Vernon Wayn McDonald, who served 16 years on the Board of Richmond County Commissioners, died on Sunday at the age of 69.
McDonald served in the elected position from 1978 until 1994. While serving as commissioner, then-chairman J. Prentice Taylor died in office in June 1991. McDonald was elevated from vice-chairman to chairman and served in that capacity until December 1991.
Vernon McDonald
McDonald supported major expansions of the county water system and the housing rehabilitation projects that were partially funded by Community Development Block Grant funds. McDonald represented the county commissioners on the Sandhills Mental Health Area Board for a number of years.
As a Vietnam veteran, the U.S. Marine was always a strong advocate for veterans programs and always proud of the services offered by the Richmond County Veterans Service Office.
In combat, McDonald was awarded the Bronze Star and two Purple Hearts. He was a member of McDonald Baptist Church and co-owner of Hamlet Hardware.
Visitation will be from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. on Tuesday, May 12 at Harrington Funeral Home.
The funeral will be at 2 p.m. on Wednesdayat McDonald Baptist Church with Rev. Alex Perakis officiating.
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