Fred McClure Remembered for a Lifetime of Service
Fred McClure Remembered for a Lifetime of Service and a Vote That Helped Change Davidson County
Former Davidson County Commissioner Fred McClure, a Vietnam veteran, businessman and longtime public servant whose political career included taking a consequential stand in support of recognizing Martin Luther King Jr. Day in Davidson County, has died.
Vice Chair of the Davidson County Commissioners wrote to Davidson Local.
Yates said, “It’s such a sad day to hear about Commissioner McClure’s passing. I’ve served with Fred McClure since I came on this board in 2010. He didn’t just welcome a new commissioner — he taught me the details of county government that you only learn by sitting next to somebody who has already done the work. Budgets, process, history, how departments operate, and how to represent this county the right way. I owe a lot of what I know about this job to Fred’s patience and willingness to teach. Davidson County is better for his service, and so am I.
Yates also said “McClure spent decades serving Davidson County, both inside and outside elected office. His legacy includes military service, leadership in county and statewide government, support for nonprofit organizations and a willingness to take political risks on issues he believed were right.”
Perhaps one of the most significant moments of his political career came in 2002.
At the time, Davidson County had gone roughly two decades without officially recognizing the federal Martin Luther King Jr. holiday. McClure forced a vote on recognizing the holiday by bringing the issue before the Davidson County Board of Commissioners.
The measure passed by a single vote.
McClure later lost his seat on the Board of Commissioners, something he often connected to his support for recognizing the King holiday. But the political setback did not end his career in county government. Davidson County voters returned him to office in 2004.
It was a defining chapter in a long public career and a decision that became part of Davidson County history.
McClure's public service began long before he entered local politics.
He served four years in the United States Air Force and four years in the United States Navy and later served six years with the Lexington National Guard unit. He completed two tours of duty in Vietnam and received the National Defense Medal, Vietnam Service Medal and Meritorious Unit Citation.
Following his military service, McClure made Davidson County home and established roots in the local business community.
In 1975, he opened what became McClure Insurance Group, serving Davidson County residents and businesses for decades.
McClure was first elected to the Davidson County Board of Commissioners in 1994 and served until 2002 before returning to the board following his 2004 election. His service would eventually span eight nonconsecutive terms.
His influence extended beyond Davidson County.
McClure became president of the North Carolina Association of County Commissioners, a leadership position the county says had not previously been held by another Davidson County commissioner.
In 2017, the association presented McClure with the M.H. “Jack” Brock Outstanding County Commissioner Award, an honor recognizing commissioners for significant achievements and service to county government.
Throughout his career, McClure served on boards and committees dealing with issues ranging from criminal justice and senior services to health care and recreation.
His leadership positions included service with the Thomasville Medical Center Executive Board, CrimeStoppers of Lexington, Institute of Political Leadership, Senior Services Board, Criminal Justice Partnership Board and Lake Thom-A-Lex Board.
He also served on North Carolina Association of County Commissioners committees addressing criminal justice and senior services.
McClure's public service often intersected with his support for nonprofit and community organizations.
He was known for being generous to nonprofits and for supporting organizations working to meet needs throughout Davidson County. His support was not limited to financial contributions. He also used his position to advocate for community resources.
In 2015, for example, McClure wrote in support of expanding inpatient hospice capacity in Davidson County, arguing that forcing residents and families to travel outside the county for hospice beds created an unnecessary burden during already difficult circumstances.
His involvement in local issues continued late into his public career.
McClure served as chairman of the Davidson County Opioid Settlement Fund Committee as county leaders considered how to use millions of dollars in settlement funding intended to address the opioid crisis. He pushed for the county to find a way to move ideas into action rather than allowing the process to stall.
His community service also extended well beyond government.
McClure was active at First Alliance Church, where he served in roles that included elder, adult Sunday School teacher, choir member and CARE group leader.
He also spent 15 years coaching junior varsity basketball at Sheets Memorial Christian School and later helped with little league ice hockey.
Away from government and community service, McClure enjoyed golf and Corvettes.
Among the experiences of his life, however, one held particular significance. McClure identified placing a wreath at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier at Arlington National Cemetery as one of his most memorable experiences. Many called it an appropriate reflection of a life closely tied to the idea of service.
McClure served his country in uniform. He built a business in Davidson County. He supported nonprofits, coached young people and spent decades participating in local and statewide government.
But his legacy also includes a moment when public service required something more difficult than attending meetings or casting an easy vote.
In 2002, McClure helped force Davidson County to confront whether it would officially honor the life and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.
The county said yes by one vote.
McClure believed the decision cost him his seat.
Two years later, Davidson County voters sent him back.
Former Davidson County Commissioner Fred McClure, a Vietnam veteran, businessman and longtime public servant whose political career included taking a consequential stand in support of recognizing Martin Luther King Jr. Day in Davidson County, has died. The Republican Party will be responsible for selecting an appointment.
McClure spent decades serving Davidson County, both inside and outside elected office. His legacy includes military service, leadership in county and statewide government, support for nonprofit organizations and a willingness to take political risks on issues he believed were right.
At the time, Davidson County had gone roughly two decades without officially recognizing the federal Martin Luther King Jr. holiday. McClure forced a vote on recognizing the holiday by bringing the issue before the Davidson County Board of Commissioners.
The measure passed by a single vote.
McClure later lost his seat on the Board of Commissioners, something he often connected to his support for recognizing the King holiday for economic development purposes. But the political setback did not end his career in county government. Davidson County voters returned him to office in 2004.
It was a defining chapter in a long public career and a decision that became part of Davidson County history.
McClure's public service began long before he entered local politics.
He served four years in the United States Air Force and four years in the United States Navy and later served six years with the Lexington National Guard unit. He completed two tours of duty in Vietnam and received the National Defense Medal, Vietnam Service Medal and Meritorious Unit Citation.
Following his military service, McClure made Davidson County home and established roots in the local business community.
In 1975, he opened what became McClure Insurance Group, serving Davidson County residents and businesses for decades.
McClure was first elected to the Davidson County Board of Commissioners in 1994 and served until 2002 before returning to the board following his 2004 election. His service would eventually span eight nonconsecutive terms.
His influence extended beyond Davidson County. McClure became president of the North Carolina Association of County Commissioners, a leadership position the county says had not previously been held by another Davidson County commissioner.
In 2017, the association presented McClure with the M.H. “Jack” Brock Outstanding County Commissioner Award, an honor recognizing commissioners for significant achievements and service to county government.
Throughout his career, McClure served on boards and committees dealing with issues ranging from criminal justice and senior services to health care and recreation.
His leadership positions included service with the Thomasville Medical Center Executive Board, CrimeStoppers of Lexington, Institute of Political Leadership, Senior Services Board, Criminal Justice Partnership Board and Lake Thom-A-Lex Board.
He also served on North Carolina Association of County Commissioners committees addressing criminal justice and senior services. McClure's public service often intersected with his support for nonprofit and community organizations.
He was known for being generous to nonprofits and for supporting organizations working to meet needs throughout Davidson County. His support was not limited to financial contributions. He also used his position to advocate for community resources.
In 2015, for example, McClure wrote in support of expanding inpatient hospice capacity in Davidson County, arguing that forcing residents and families to travel outside the county for hospice beds created an unnecessary burden during already difficult circumstances. His involvement in local issues continued late into his public career.
McClure served as chairman of the Davidson County Opioid Settlement Fund Committee as county leaders considered how to use millions of dollars in settlement funding intended to address the opioid crisis. He pushed for the county to find a way to move ideas into action rather than allowing the process to stall.
His community service also extended well beyond government.
McClure was active at First Alliance Church, where he served in roles that included elder, adult Sunday School teacher, choir member and CARE group leader.
He also spent 15 years coaching junior varsity basketball at Sheets Memorial Christian School and later helped with little league ice hockey.
Away from government and community service, McClure enjoyed golf and Corvettes.
Among the experiences of his life, however, one held particular significance. McClure identified placing a wreath at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier at Arlington National Cemetery as one of his most memorable experiences.
McClure served his country in uniform. He built a business in Davidson County. He supported nonprofits, coached young people and spent decades participating in local and statewide government.
His legacy also includes a moment when public service required something more difficult than attending meetings or casting an easy vote.
