BEAUFORT - Charles McDonald, Sr., 74, of Beaufort passed away on Monday, Nov. 21, 2022.
A funeral service will be at 2 p.m. on Sunday, Nov. 27, 2022, at Bridgeway Church of Beaufort, 100 Lockhart Drive. Interment will follow at Carteret Memorial Gardens.
Born and raised in Beaufort, McDonald was a graduate of Queen Street High School and a graduate of Harris Barber College.
McDonald began his career in public service in February of 1979 by serving as a Town of Beaufort Police Officer where he advanced to the position of Police Chief, making him the first African American to serve in that role. McDonald served as the Beaufort Police Chief from 1992-1998 before retiring after 19 years of service to the Beaufort Police Department.
McDonald has owned and operated two small businesses in his hometown of Beaufort. He was a dedicated family man and town commissioner.
“He was a friend and a mentor to me and to many others. His words of wisdom still ring true to this day. How will any decisions you make benefit ‘the Citizens of Beaufort?’ He will be missed but never forgotten,” said Mayor Sharon Harker.
McDonald was first elected to represent the citizens of Beaufort in December of 2001 as a Town of Beaufort Commissioner and served consecutive terms through 2021. He was first selected as Mayor Pro-Tempore in 2007, a position he was again selected for a total of three terms over his career as Commissioner. McDonald ran for office out of his love for Beaufort and his love of the people.
“Commissioner McDonald was a friend. I will miss him,” said Commissioner John Hagle. “He always considered what he felt was the best for the ‘Citizens of Beaufort’ when making a decision. He saw a great deal of change in his hometown and wanted the best for all citizens as changes were made.”
“Charles was a resource of Beaufort ‘the way it used to be’ giving him a unique perspective which he shared,” said Commissioner Mariana Hollinshed.
"Charles was a friend a supporter and a 'partner in crime' so to speak for all the years we served together," said former Beaufort Mayor and Commissioner Ann Carter. "I will miss his insight and wisdom."
McDonald served as a voice of the people voting his heart and conviction. He was an advocate for equality in all neighborhoods in Town and successfully served the community with great dignity. Commissioner McDonald leaves a lasting legacy on Beaufort and its citizens.
"I feel privileged and honored to have worked with Commissioner McDonald for four years," said former Beaufort Mayor Rett Newton. "He was a superb leader, mentor, and friend. His legacy as commissioner includes providing immense stability for our great community, supporting our town staff, cleaning up our waterways, responding to crises, and building a comprehensive plan to fix our infrastructure. It was his motion that provided the investment that has been critical to Beaufort's unprecedented success. What a great life lived!"
Condolences and life tributes may be sent to the family at www.noefs.net. Arrangements by Noe Funeral Service, Inc. of Beaufort, NC.