Former Mullins mayor dies

Former Mullins mayor Kenneth Walter McDonald served 22 years in city government.

By: Naeem Mcfadden | SCNOW
Published: July 22, 2009

Former Mullins mayor Kenneth Walter McDonald died Wednesday morning after an illness. He was 73.

McDonald served 22 years as a Mullins city councilman and mayor. He and his wife, Ann, owned and operated Webster Manor in Mullins for more than 20 years.

“He was easy to get along with and always willing to discuss the issues,” former city administrator George Hardwick said.

The two men shared years of experience working together in municipal government, Hardwick said.

“Both of us served around the same time and he always did a good job and tried to do what was best for the city as a whole,” he said.

Hardwick said he remembers the committee meetings and the council meetings, and said McDonald did an outstanding job in all his years of service.

Marion County Administrator Tim Harper said McDonald was devoted to his fellow citizens.

“Marion County lost a dear friend,” Marion County Administrator Tim Harper said. “We’re going to miss him.”

State Sen. Kent Williams said McDonald demonstrated his love for Mullins through his leadership.

“I had the pleasure of working with him, and I tell you, he was a hard worker that always put the people above himself,” he said.

Born in Latta, McDonald relocated to Mullins in 1955. The U.S. Army veteran began working as a department manager at a local grocery store and later became a co-owner of the S&M Thriftway Store until 1986. That year, the McDonalds took ownership of the popular bed and breakfast business.

McDonald was elected Mullins mayor in November 2004 after serving on city council since 1986.

McDonald was member of Mullins First Baptist Church and participated in the men’s Bible class.

His wife and five children, Chuck Brown, Eddie McDonald, Vanessa Cox, William Brown and Missy White, survive along with nine grandchildren.

Funeral services were held Friday at Mullins First Baptist Church. In lieu of flowers, McDonald’s family requests memorials be made to Mullins First Baptist Church, P.O. Box 443, Mullins, SC 29574 or Shepherd Care Hospice, P.O. 392, Nichols, SC 29581.

Kenneth W. McDonald was elected City of Mullins Mayor in November 2004 after serving on City Council since 1986.