Ernest “Ernie” Wright, the first African-American elected to the Onslow County Board of Commissioners, passed away on December 16, 2022 at the age of 69. Mr. Wright served on the Board of Commissioners from 1992-2000 and was first elected by the Board to serve as Vice Chairman in 1996.

Tim Foster, Chairman of the Onslow County Board of Commissioners, said Mr. Wright's passing is a loss for the entire community.

"Ernie Wright will be dearly missed in Onslow County. 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."

During Mr. Wright's tenure, the Onslow County Board of Commissioners undertook efforts to build the Richlands Branch Library, Onslow County Museum Building, and Robert A. Glass Building for Onslow County Animal Services.

Ernie Wright moved to Onslow County in 1979 and was a Marine Veteran, respected attorney, and volunteered for many community causes. He was a Guardian ad Litem, Director of the Jacksonville Tourism Development Authority, and part of the Voting Rights Task Force.