Statements on the passing of Sen. Vernon Malone

Reaction to the death of North Carolina Sen. Vernon Malone, who held public offices in Wake County for over three decades. He died April 18, 2009 at the age of 77.

Gov. Beverly 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.

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.

Raleigh Mayor Charles Meeker

Vernon Malone was a soft-spoken gentleman who worked toward consensus on key issues.

Wake County Commissioner Harold Webb

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.

Wake County Commissioner Lyndy Brown

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 NAACP President William Barber

Sen. Vernon Malone was a leader for the people. He gave his energy, his time, his intellect and his compassion to the service of humanity. In his decisions he considered the impact on everyday people not just the powerful. He used his office in the most noble of ways - that is to help give opportunities for those to whom opportunity is often denied and delayed. He was a friend of civil rights, a man of integrity, and one who did not forget from whence he had come. May he now rest from labor to reward.

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.

State Superintendent of Public Instruction June Atkinson

The deeds and actions of Senator Malone have always shown his passion and concern for all young people. I will miss his friendship and all of us will miss his leadership and work for public education. I extend condolences to his family he loved so much.

State Treasurer Janet Cowell

Sen. Malone served his constituents with intelligence, poise and compassion. He was a man of many friends and deeply loved his wife, Susan. My thoughts and prayers go to his family, friends and legislative colleagues.