Retired U.S. Air Force Col. Daniel Alexander (Tony) McFadgen of Dale City, Virginia, passed away peacefully at Nova Fairfax Medical Center in Fairfax, Virginia, on Tuesday, Nov. 16, 2021.

Daniel was a charter member of East Bladen High School’s JROTC program, an Elizabethtown native, and was promoted to the active duty grade of colonel in the U.S. Air Force on Oct. 1, 1999. He was pinned with his new rank at a ceremony at the Pentagon surrounded by family, friends, and military personnel.

Daniel, a 1973 graduate of East Bladen, was the first cadet from East Bladen’s JROTC program to reach the active-duty grade of colonel.

While at East Bladen, Daniel was an outstanding student and athlete, who was involved in a variety of activities. In addition to being a member of the football, basketball, and track teams, he chaired the Human Relations Committee and the Distributive Education Club. He was also a member of the Science Club, French Club, and the annual staff.

In 1977, Daniel graduated from North Carolina A&T State University with a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration. As an ROTC cadet, Daniel has commissioned a second lieutenant upon graduation. In 1980 while on active duty, he completed a master’s degree in Business Administration from Webster’s University.

During his career he had a number of assignments, beginning with a stint as a missile launch crew member. His later assignments included duty as an instructor, administrator, and commander.

Daniel leaves behind to cherish his memory his wife Pamela McFadgen; four daughters, Dawn Henry of Raleigh, Brianna McFadgen of Dale City, Miaisha McFadgen of Raleigh, and 1st Lt. Hali McFadgen of Sacramento, California; two grandchildren, Dominique and Ryan Henry of Raleigh; his parents, Glendell and Mary Robinson of Elizabethtown; one sister, Angela (Gregory) Griffith of Valrico, Florida; four brothers, Kenneth Grimes of Greensboro, Ronald Robinson of New Castle, Deleware, Larry Robinson of Avondale Estates, Georgia, and Bernard Robinson of Elizabethtown; sister-in-law, Dr. Crystal (Al) Cody-Connor of Greensboro; brothers-in-law, Gregory (Carol) Cody of Dallas, and Dr. Michael Cody of Dallas, and San Francisco; one uncle, David (Gertrude) McFadgen of Charlotte; a host of nephews and nieces; a host of other relatives and friends; longtime friends Dr. Shelton Rhodes and DeWitt Powell; aunt, Mildred Williams; uncle, Joseph McFadgen, whom preceded him in death; grandmother, Millie McFadgen, whom preceded him in death; father-in-law and mother-in-law, James and Ethel Cody, whom preceded him in death.