In a press release issued at 11:38 p.m., Friday evening, Aug. 24, the Warren County government acknowledged the sudden and unexpected passing of Commissioner of the Revenue John H. Smedley Sr., indicating flags at county buildings will fly at half mast pending further notice.

That release states, “By Order of Chairman Archie A. Fox, Warren County Flags will fly at half-mast until further notice at all County facilities in honor of and in recognition of the contributions of John H. Smedley, Sr., Warren County Commissioner of the Revenue, who passed away this evening at Winchester Medical Center.

“Chairman Fox stated, ‘John was truly a dedicated public servant, serving as Commissioner of the Revenue for seven terms beginning on January 1, 1988. John was a dedicated family man and active member of the community serving as a member of the Virginia Association of Assessing Officers, the Commissioner of the Revenue Association of Virginia, Virginia Association of Local Elected Constitutional Officers, West Central Commissioner of Revenue Association, Virginia Association of Local Tax Auditors, Izaak Walton League, Warren County Republican Committee, past member of the Rotary Club of Front Royal and past member of Front Royal-Warren County Jaycees. We salute his service and send prayers to his family and staff during this time of grief.’ ”

(Info from a release)