Dwight Penland receives a plaque signifying his induction in The Order of the Lone Leaf Pine on Oct. 2, 2025.
By Becky Long
Publisher
Clay County bid farewell to its longest serving county commissioner Monday morning. Hundreds of friends, relatives and supporters showed up for visitation and his Monday morning funeral service.
Dwight Hunter Penland, 65, died Wednesday, March 11. He was serving his 20th year as commissioner.
Penland was a public servant, but those who knew him best remember him as kind, dependable and a friend to all.
“Dwight was a pillar of strength on which you could always rely,” said Betty Bradley HR director and Clerk to the Board of Commissioners. “His devotion knew no bounds, and his love for his family as well as his county was unconditional. With his passing, we all hold tight the cherished moments that will forever capture his spirit.”
Penland was inducted into The Order of the Long Pine by N.C. Gov. Josh Stein. Among the state’s most prestigious awards, he was presented the plaque during a commission meeting on Oct. 2, 2025 in recognition for public service.
Penland served eight years on the school board and went on to serve 20 on the Clay County Board of Commissioners, a position he held until he died.
Penland sat in the fifth chair from the left at every board meeting. He had not missed any meetings that anyone could remember, but on the first Thursday in February and March, that seat was noticeably empty.
After his death his beloved wife Sissie posted the sad news on her Facebook page.
“I am posting to let everyone know that my precious husband has gone to be with the Lord. He fought a hard fight bravely and showed me and everyone just how strong he really was,” said Sissie.
“The kids and I want to thank each and every one of you for your prayers and every thing that you have done for us during this terribly difficult time,” she said. “I cannot describe the hurt and loss that we feel right now, but at least we know that he is no longer in pain. He will have no more pain, sorrow or tears. I miss him already.”
Commission Chairman Rob Peck posted an eloquent announcement on the night of Penland’s death.
It read in part,
“Last October, Dwight received North Carolina’s highest civilian honor, the Order of the Long Leaf Pine, in recognition of his decades of extraordinary service. That award captured exactly who he was: a selfless leader who always put Clay County first — quietly, steadily, and with genuine love for this place and its people.”
Dwight Penland will forever be part of the county’s history, but for now, someone must be found to fill his role on the commission board. Penland had two years remaining in his term.
Larry J. Ford, the vice-chair and general counsel of the Clay County GOP explained the next steps in legal terms. The November general election will weigh on how that is done.
“Regarding the unfortunate death of Commissioner Dwight Penland, who was elected as a Republican candidate, and since more than 60 days remains before the General Election in November, 2026, North Carolina General Statute 153A-27.1 requires the Executive Committee of the Clay County Republican Party to meet and take the following actions:
• Select and recommend to the Clay County Board of Commissioners a person to serve as an “Interim” Commissioner, to serve until the first Monday in December following the 2026 General Election; and,
2. Select and report to the Clay County Board of Elections a person whose name will appear on the ballot in the November, 2026, General Election as a candidate to fill Mr. Penland’s seat for the remaining 2 years of his original four year term.”
The CC GOP Executive Committee meeting has been scheduled for March 30, so we’ll know more then.
It is possible that for the remaining two years of Dwight’s term will be in the form of a “Special Election,” and not part of the race for the three seats that were already scheduled for the ballot; however that has yet to be confirmed.