RALEIGH, N.C. — The viewing will take place today for State Sen. Vernon Malone of Wake County.
The 77-year-old died of natural causes at his Raleigh home Saturday.
Malone served most recently as co-chairman of the education budget subcommittee and had represented District 14 in the General Assembly for four terms.
The Shaw University graduate held public offices in Wake County over three decades. As school board chairman, he presided over the merger of Raleigh city schools and Wake County public schools in 1976.
He served as a Wake County commissioner from 1984 until his election to the Senate in 2002.
Senator Malone’s viewing will be from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Lea funeral home in Raleigh.
The funeral will take place Thursday at Martin Street Baptist Church at noon.
Statements from officials regarding Senator Malone and his service:
NCDP Chair David Young:
“Senator Vernon Malone was a giant oak in making Raleigh – the City of Oaks – Wake County, and North Carolina the models of progress, diversity, and forward-thinking vision that they are becoming. His quiet strength and dignity were his hallmarks and should be an inspiration to all of us as we seek to carry on his unfinished work.
Leigh and I, as well as all North Carolina Democrats, mourn his sudden passing and offer our thoughts and prayers to his family.”
Senate President Pro Tempore Marc Basnight:
“It is hard to put into words how much Vernon Malone meant to the North Carolina Senate, and to everyone who knew him. He had prepared himself for service early in life and he believed in a better opportunity for all. He was a man for all people and a man of integrity and he did not just seek to help those people with talents, he loved all people. He was such a big man in the way he lived his life – the concern, the love and compassion he had for people was special.
I can think of no one, nowhere in this state who meets the description of what Vernon was as a person. He was a wonderful friend to me and a real leader in the Senate, and I will miss him a great deal. What I knew of him as a person, not to mention the contributions he has made throughout his life, cannot be replaced. It is a huge loss, not just for the people of his Senate district, but for all the people of North Carolina.”
Gov. Bev Perdue:
“Vernon Malone was one of my closest personal friends and was a powerful voice for North Carolina’s future. He fundamentally believed that every kid should have a shot at success, regardless of their background and dedicated his life to making that belief a reality.”
Lt. Gov. Walter Dalton:
“The Senate, the people of Wake County and the State have lost a great advocate for education and for the future of our State. Throughout his life, Senator Malone was committed to public service and to making our State a better place. I am honored and proud to have served alongside Vernon Malone in the Senate, and the prayers of the entire State are with his family during this time of great loss.”
Harold Webb, chair of the Wake County Commission:
“Senator Vernon Malone was a man of great character. He gave his heart and soul to helping other people. He worked every day to build a stronger community. He believed in working in the trenches to uplift the lives of those who could not help themselves. He believed in the value of education and he dedicated his life to making sure people of all races had the opportunity to get an education so they could live a better life. He served admirably as Chairman of the Wake County School Board, Chairman of the Wake County Commissioners and as a three-term State Senator. As Chairman of the Wake County Board, I extend my condolences to his family and friends. We have lost a fine public servant.”
Lyndy Brown, vice chair of the Wake County Commission:
“Senator Vernon Malone was a pillar of public service in Wake County. He charted a path of progress when times were tough. He provided stable and reliable leadership on our school board, our county commission and in the State Senate. He was a loving servant of God, a faithful husband and father, and a tireless public servant who lit the torch of leadership for the African American community and all of Wake County.”
North Carolina Legislative Black Caucus:
“[Members] were deeply saddened to learn of the sudden death of Senator Vernon Malone. I worked with the Senator as many of my colleagues did on various projects and considered him a good friend. He was first class.
“He was admired for his dedication to public service, higher education, and the overall welfare of the citizens of our state and the communities he served in Wake County. Having served four terms in the NC Senate, Sen. Malone was a remarkable man leading by example in his quest for equality, better education, and a commitment to excellence.
“The NC Legislative Black Caucus and citizens of the state of North Carolina mourn with his family the loss of a brilliant man; gentle in nature and humble in spirit.
“We will resolve to honor the memory of a life based on faith, integrity, hard work, & purpose; a life that he himself lived everyday.”
