BY ROGER SMITH
MOUNTAIN CITIZEN
INEZ — In a heartfelt ceremony preceding the fiscal court meeting Thursday, Judge/Executive Lon Lafferty and the Martin County Magistrates honored Danny and Doris Mooney, lifelong residents and business owners of Inez.
Lafferty began by recounting the couple’s journey, noting that they met over 64 years ago in high school and soon became sweethearts. On May 27, 1960, they exchanged wedding vows at the First Baptist Church in Inez, officiated by minister Jimmy Grayson.
A decade later, the Mooneys established Mooney’s Bait Shop, a beloved local business that has become a county staple. For 35 years, they also ran Mooney’s Golden Fried Chicken, a former favorite among residents.
“Everyone knows Danny and Doris for their community involvement, businesses and, for a while, political engagement,” Lafferty said.
“Danny is known throughout the country as an avid sportsman. If you’ve lived in Martin County during the last 50 years and you’ve hunted or fished, at some point you’ve had contact with Danny Mooney. He sold you a fishing license or a rod and reel, or he gave you advice on the newest lure,” added the judge.
“And of course, they’re also known for the greatest, the best golden fried chicken in the entire country. I told Doris that my ulterior motive for having her here today was to see if she would possibly reopen. In any place that I’ve eaten throughout this entire country, I usually order chicken, but I don’t think anything has compared to Mooney’s Golden Fried Chicken. I don’t think it ever will.”
The Mooneys have two children, Kathy Ward and Richard Mooney, and 13 grandchildren. Doris is an active member of Inez Free Will Baptist Church, often referred to by her family as “the glue that holds the family together.”
Both Danny and Doris are 82 years old. Although Danny could not attend the meeting, Doris represented them, accompanied by their grandson, Jonathan Durham.
Lafferty and the magistrates presented Doris with a certificate celebrating the couple’s 64th wedding anniversary and a framed photo of the pair.
“Thank you. I appreciate it,” Doris said as she accepted the gifts with grace.
“You certainly are two county treasures,” Lafferty concluded. “We’re just so honored to have you here today.”
