Former County Commissioner Candidate Terry Saxon Fondly Remembered

BERLIN- Former County Commissioner candidate and long-time local political activist Terry Saxon died last weekend after a lengthy illness at the age of 60.

Saxon, who challenged Judy Boggs in for the newly-formed District 5 County Commissioner seat in the 2002 General Election, passed away last Sunday at the Coastal Hospice at the Lake in Salisbury. Saxon co-founded the Worcester County Democratic Club and remained active in local politics almost until the time of his death. He was remembered fondly this week by former colleagues and adversaries for his dedication.

“He was intensely passionate about anything he got involved with,” said long time friend and Democratic Club co-founder Gee Williams. “If he cared about something, he would literally grab the bull by the horns and stay after it until it was done. He would keep persuading and persuading until things happened.”

Others also remembered Saxon for his tenacity. “I grew to admire him very much for his tenacity and drive toward what he believed in,” said Democratic colleague Young Hines. “The Democratic Party has lost a giant without question.”

Boggs, who beat Saxon in the 2002 General Election for the District 5 seat, which includes much of Ocean Pines, also remembered her old adversary for his fighting spirit. “He was a worthy opponent,” she said.

Born in Atlanta, Ga., Saxon was the son of the late Ted Saxon and Mildred Jones Saxon. He was a graduate of Emory University and George Washington University. He had almost 40 years of experience in the healthcare field.

His many accomplishments include: owner and associate of Harold Green and Associates, Inc in Rockville, Md.; one of three founding members of the Worcester County Democratic Club; chairman of Governor Glendening’s Acute Health Care Task Force; and a Commissioner on the Maryland State Racing Commission. Most recently Mr. Saxon owned and operated Ocean City Golf Academy and Driving Range in Berlin.

Mr. Saxon is survived by his wife of 38 years, Mary Catherine; a son Thomas J. Saxon and his wife Brenda; two daughters Tracey Ann McDaniel and her husband John, and Elizabeth C. Saxon; two grandchildren Dustin Saxon and Sean William McDaniel; one sister Joyce Wade and her husband Gregory. Also surviving are many nieces, nephews, aunts, uncles and a host of friends.

A funeral service will be held at Church of the Holy Spirit today, Friday, June 8, at 11 a.m. with a reception following. Interment will be at the Gardens of the Pines at 3 p.m. following the celebration of life gathering at the church.