On Aug. 21, Dorchester County lost one of our long time leaders, and the Patriarch of the Dorchester County Democratic Party, Kenneth “Kenny” Waggoner. He was on the Dorchester County Council for 34 years, and he lived long enough to see and use the County Council building in St. George named after him.

Kenny was a Democrat, but he was first and foremost the councilman for his District 3. There was a reason that Lovely Hill Convention Center in St. George was filled to capacity for his funeral — he always listened to his constituents, and always worked to solve their problems. Kenny was known for giving individual attention to every citizen in his district. 

As Jason Ward, the county administrator, said: “He personally connected with people, not only folks of voting age, but their families and he was concerned about the community he served.”

When I arrived in the county 10 ½ years ago, Kenny greeted me with open arms.  I became a “student” of Kenny, and he always made time to talk to me, and schooled me on the history and workings of our great Dorchester County. Even in his late seventies, Kenny had a radiant, beaming smile and a “can-do” attitude.

Kenny Waggoner, born in 1934, served his country in the U.S. Air Force for four years during the Korean Conflict, earning a Bronze Star. The same US Air Force I would serve in for 32 years many years later. He was a long time railroad man for Norfolk Southern railroad.

Kenny Waggoner was also a family man, and always talked about his large extended family — including children, grandchildren, and great-grand children! And he loved them all.

It was very satisfying that all of county council showed up at his funeral. I think that they know that Democrat or Republican, Kenny taught them how to be a “Councilman for the People”, not for any political party. 

As Councilman Richard Rosebrock said: “He wanted to make sure we did the right thing for his constituents as long as I knew him. He was a great gentleman."

Kenny Waggoner was the politician we all wish for now — honest, hardworking, knew how to listen to the voters, and worked for the greater good of the county he served, Dorchester County. Kenny always fought for improved roads, better traffic conditions, expansion of utility services in rural areas, improved public education, and for business development — more jobs!

Councilman Kenny Waggoner: a leader of leaders in our County.

Do you have any stories about Kenny Waggoner? Feel free to comment below.