John Smith, the father of the late Halifax County Commissioner Marcelle Smith, was sworn in today to take the seat vacated by his son’s death last month.

District Court Judge Brenda Branch administered the oath of office to the elder Smith, who owns New Beginnings Funeral Home in Scotland Neck, and has also served on many boards in the county.

He was joined by his grandson and daughter as the oath was administered.

“I do thank the citizens and commissioners of Halifax County for appointing me to this position,” Mr. Smith said after taking the oath of office. 

“I don’t feel worthy,” he said, choking back tears. “The shoes I’m trying to fill are some big shoes. It’s kind of hard that a father follows son. We thought it would be the other way around but God has a plan and we accept what he allows.”

Mr. Smith said, “I don’t come here with any particular agenda but I do come here with a promise that whatever matters come before this board I’ll listen to them to the conclusion of the whole matter and cast my vote in the manner in which I feel like will be for the best interest of every citizen here in Halifax County.”

He thanked those who came to the board of commissioners room at the Historic Courthouse in Halifax to witness him taking the oath. “I thank you all for your confidence in me and I do promise to do the very best that I can to the board to fulfill this position.”

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During Monday night’s board meeting, Commissioner Rives Manning, who had introduced the late Smith when he first came on the board, nominated his father, a motion which was seconded by Commissioner Linda Brewer and passed unanimously.

“I’ve known Mr. John Smith for a number of years,” Manning said. “He is a very fine and upstanding gentleman and I feel like he would be an asset to fill Marcelle’s seat on the county commissioners.”

Commissioner Patrick Qualls said, “I got to know Marcelle through this board and it was a very good relationship with an honorable and good man. I think we’re replacing him with the next best thing to him. It kind of warms my heart a little bit. I’m sure Marcelle’s looking down and I’m sure it warms his heart a little bit as well.”

Commissioner Carolyn Johnson said she has known the Smith family for a very long time. “I’m pleased that he is willing to accept this nomination.”

County Manager Tony Brown said, “I think he’s a good fit following up to the perfect fit we had with Marcelle so it’s going to run in the family. I’ve worked with Mr. Smith on a few different boards including the (department of social services) board and also on the college board . I think he’s a very intelligent and very reasonable man and listens a lot to be objective.”

Brewer said, “I think this is the best thing that could happen for the county and the board of commissioners at this time. Mr. Smith has served honorably on several boards for our county and he is well respected throughout the county, not from just one area, so we are fortunate to have him agree to join us.”

County attorney Glynn Rollins said Smith will fill the vacancy of his son for a period until the first Monday in December of 2022. There will have to be an election in 2022 for the balance of the late commissioner’s term

In a press release today board Chair Vernon Bryant said, “Having a family member fill an elected seat is not uncommon, provided that the family member meets the qualifications to serve and that the governing body determines the appointment is appropriate.

“The Halifax County Board of Commissioners is grateful that John Smith has agreed to serve Halifax County as commissioner, showing the same commitment to the citizens and to the betterment of all of Halifax County as his son Marcelle did during his time on the board. As John Smith is a resident of Scotland Neck, his appointment to this seat continues to provide representation from southeast Halifax County.” 

Mr. Smith will begin his duties as commissioner on October 4.