By NICOLE CARTRETTE
Staff Writer

Incumbent and two-term Commissioner William “Bill” Memory Jr., 56, of Whiteville, lost the Democratic nomination to challenger Edwin Russ of Lake Waccamaw Tuesday night.

Russ, 53, carried more than 70 percent of the vote. Memory had just 504 votes compared to Russ’ 1,199, according to unofficial vote results. Provisional ballots have yet to be verified and official results will not be released until Canvass Day next week.

This is the first political office Russ has been elected to. The owner of Southern Tire and Muffler and Edwin Russ Recycling in Whiteville stood by at the Board of Elections Tuesday night surrounded by friends and family as votes came in.

“I didn’t think I was going to come out that far ahead,” Russ said, pointing out it had been a long day and he had visited all of the polling sites in his district.

“I think the people here want change and I am thankful that they are giving me the opportunity to make the change,” Russ said. “I just want to thank everyone for their faith and confidence in me. I will do my best for the people of Columbus County.”

The tired Russ said he would likely spend Wednesday taking up political signs.

If no unaffiliated voters emerge with signatures needed to run in the November election, Russ, along with newly elected Buddy Byrd and re-elected Lynwood Norris, will take the oath of office in December.

Memory, a local contractor and businessman with interests in the Memory Company and Memory Enterprises, was first elected in 2000 to represent the district that stretches from portions of Whiteville, Hallsboro, Lake Waccamaw and into eastern Columbus County.

Memory, who was not at the Board of Elections Tuesday night, said he was “ a little disappointed” but kept an upbeat attitude.

“It’s a short trip from hero to zero,” he said with a chuckle.

“I was a little surprised but when you play the game you have to be willing to take the loss,” Memory said. “I wish Mr. Russ the best of luck.”

Memory said as he was picking up campaign signs Wednesday and Russ was doing the same.

“That’s the kind of person Edwin Russ is; I think he’s a good man,” Memory said.