Cabarrus mourns loss of longtime ‘CabCo Champion’

Published on November 06, 2025

Cabarrus County is mourning the loss of longtime public servant and commissioner Lynn Shue, who died Wednesday (November 5). He was 71.

Respected by many across the community, Shue dedicated his life to serving Cabarrus with integrity, compassion and faith.

As the community reflects on his life and legacy, the Cabarrus Board of Commissioners must begin the process of filling the open board seat. Per state statute, the board will consult with the Cabarrus County Republican Party’s Executive Committee, which has 30 days to recommend a replacement. The law states that the replacement must be from the same party as the member being replaced.

Once the party makes its recommendation, commissioners “shall appoint the person recommended” to fulfill the remainder of the term, which ends in November 2026.

Shue, an elected official for more than two decades, demonstrated remarkable strength throughout his life.

He was the recipient of a heart transplant in 1995 and a kidney transplant in 2002. Those gifts of life motivated his spirit of service.

“I wanted to give back, for so much had been given to me,” he said in 2017. 

Shue was elected to the Cabarrus County Board of Education in November 2000. He served several terms and was chairman of the board from 2011 to 2013.

He joined the Cabarrus County Board of Commissioners in 2014 and has held a seat since.

Public service, he once said, “gives me a purpose ... it gives me a reason.” 

Lynn’s health battles were ongoing. “Even as he continued to face new challenges, he remained actively committed to Cabarrus County,” said Interim County Manager Kelly Sifford. “Those who worked with Lynn, me included, will remember him as a man of faith and humility.”

As an outspoken organ donation recipient, Shue made it a tradition to read the Donate Life Month (April) proclamation each year at the Board of Commissioners meeting, ensuring it was formally adopted while raising awareness. He also supplied the Donate Life flag that flew at the Government Center during the month.

Shue's dedication to his community prompted an outpouring of condolences on the County’s social media pages. Those who knew him described him as a dedicated public servant who was humble, honest and “a CabCo Champion.”

Shue was “a cherished member of our community whose warmth and dedication touched many lives,” said Cabarrus County Board of Commissioners Chairman Jeff Jones. “We are deeply saddened by this news. Commissioner Shue truly loved this county and worked hard to do what’s right for the citizens. We are sending prayers of comfort and peace to his family and friends.”

The County’s public access channel, Spectrum Channel 22, has been updated to feature several programs in which Lynn appeared, including the Out and About series that focuses on community-centered topics.

Residents can also watch the channel’s livestream by visiting cabarruscounty.us and selecting “Livestream” at the top of the page. Individual episodes are available on demand on the County’s YouTube channel at YouTube.com/CabarrusCounty. A playlist of shows featuring Shue is available on the main page.

Funeral and memorial arrangements are still being finalized.