Onslow County's first elected African-American commissioner, Ernie Wright, passes away
Onslow County's first elected African-American commissioner and former vice chairman has passed away.
Ernest "Ernie" Wright passed away on Friday at the age of 69, according to a Friday afternoon news release from the county.
The release said Wright served on the board of commissioners from 1992 to 2000 and was elected to serve as vice chairman in 1996. During his time on the board, Wright undertook efforts to build the Richlands Branch Library, Onslow County Museum building and Robert A. Glass building for Onslow County Animal Services, the release added.
Wright moved to Onslow County in 1979, the release said and was a Marine veteran, respected attorney and volunteered for many community causes. He was also a Guardian ad Litem, helping to protect children's rights, director of the Jacksonville Tourism Development Authority and part of the Voting Rights Task Force.
"Ernie Wright will be dearly missed in Onslow County," said Onslow County Board of Commissioners Chairman Tim Foster in the release. "Our thoughts and prayers go out to his family and friends. His contributions to our county are numerous and he will be missed by many."
Jacksonville City Mayor Sammy Phillips also released a statement Friday afternoon, sending the city's sincerest condolences to Wright's family and saying his passing leaves a void in this community.
Phillips said Wright served the people of North Carolina for more than 30 years in civil and criminal trial practice for both the state and federal courts.
"His generous heart and deep commitment to making Jacksonville a better place has helped so many," Phillips said in the statement. "Ernie served as a member of the Jacksonville Tourism Development Authority since its inception and was chairman of the Citizen Redistricting Committee for Jacksonville."
Phillips went on to say that Wright was an advocate for all citizens, a spokesperson for the advancement of rights for all people and helped to foster the advancement of healthcare and fair housing in the area.
He also served on many community boards and committees, including, but not limited to, the Onslow County Board of Elections, chairman for the ZECA School of the Arts and Technology, Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors and Onslow Women’s Shelter.
"He was involved in many activities for the betterment of our community, including the Community Action Network, Friends of Black Children’s group and as a basketball coach for Jacksonville Recreation for more than 15 years," Phillips added. "The city honored Ernie Wright and his wife Marcia Wright for their outstanding contributions to the community in May of 2021 at the Onslow Civic Affairs Fabric of the Community Awards Ceremony."
Reporter Morgan Starling can be reached at mstarling@jdnews.com.
This article originally appeared on The Daily News: Onslow County's first elected African-American commissioner, Ernie Wright, passes away
