Today (Sunday) we celebrate the life of a local leading lady whose absence has truly been felt in the downtown Rockingham community and in Richmond County since her passing on July 3, 2020. Advocate, entrepreneur, leader, partner and volunteer, Judy Wilson Cagle owned and managed Rockingham Fitness and Rockingham Paint and Glass in the downtown area with her husband David.
As it read in her obituary, “If you have to ask yourself if you ever met Judy, you didn’t, you would certainly remember.” Referred to as a “force of nature,” she was the ultimate combination of sweet and sass, who made everyone feel both special and protected, as she was a bold advocate for all, including animals.
Cagle served multiple terms on the board for the Richmond County Humane Society, volunteering countless hours, donating food and other supplies, placing foster and stray animals in “furever” homes, and being a tireless, unwavering voice for animals. Prior to her death, Cagle spearheaded a partnership with Richmond County Aging Services’ “Meals on Wheels” to provide free pet food to low-income senior citizens.
In addition to running two businesses and always being on-call for animals, Cagle was the backbone of the Rockingham Downtown Corporation, with Christmas on the Square being her signature crowning achievement. Cagle also managed the Hitchcock Creek Community Garden in Rockingham.
Cagle held a degree from Appalachian State University and worked in advertising after graduating from college until she found her true calling as a true lady boss!
On Sept. 1, 2020, Congressman Dan Bishop addressed the House of Representatives to honor her life. His closing words were “May her dedication to the Rockingham community and animal rights be an example for us all.”
Join us today in celebrating the impactful life of advocacy, dedication, and service of this leading lady!
Meghann Lambeth is executive director of the Richmond County Tourism Development Authority. Republished from visitrichmondcounty.com. Throughout March, Visit Richmond County will feature a local leading lady in honor of Women’s History Month.
