Edward Woodlief Named 2023 Citizen Of The Year At Chamber Banquet

When you see Edward Woodlief out and about in the community, or see his name pop up on your phone screen, you can bet that: 1) he will greet you warmly and ask how you’re doing; 2) he will make you chuckle with a quip or witty observation; and 3) he’s got tickets to an upcoming fundraiser to share.

Whether it’s chicken plates, pork butts – with sauce! – or Vidalia onions, Woodlief usually has his eye on raising funds for one group or another.

He’s “that” person behind the scenes, quietly and effectively making things happen. But at Thursday’s Henderson-Vance Chamber of Commerce 86^th annual meeting and banquet, Woodlief took center stage for a few moments to accept the 2023 Citizen of the Year award.

And then, N.C. Rep. Frank Sossamon put Woodlief in the spotlight a second time to present him with The Order of the Long Leaf Pine, the highest state honor that a civilian can receive.

Woodlief said he started putting things together as 2022 Citizen of the Year recipient Jack Richardson began listing some details about this year’s awardee, including his work with his beloved Union Chapel Church, where is currently is the choir director and president of the men’s fellowship.

“Our citizen of the year was raised on a farm, where he learned that hard work is the key to getting things accomplished,” Richardson began. Woodlief has devoted himself to a variety of organizations through the years, including the Optimist Club, Kiwanis Club, American Legion Post 60, his church and the local Crime Stoppers.

“He’s a pillar of our community and we are so lucky to have him,” Richardson said in his remarks, adding that he is “so giving to friends, neighbors and strangers” alike.

A genuine example of a servant leader, Woodlief is someone who is happiest when he’s rolled up his sleeves to do good for those in need.

“I thank God for giving me a heart filled with love and compassion” for others, Woodlief said after receiving the award from Sossamon.

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At 80-something years “young,” Woodlief has outlived the Zeb Vance Ruritan Club, of which he was a member for four decades before it became inactive. But Woodlief continues one of the club’s service projects and single-handedly mows, weeds and tends the cemetery that the club had adopted.

And if you ever wondered how those flags “magically” appear on the graves of military veterans, well, it’s Woodlief.

“It’s been a pleasure,” Woodlief said as he accepted the award, which followed a warm, well-deserved round of applause.

He quickly mentioned all the others who work with him to make sure all these fundraisers and projects are successful – “We all work together to raise funds,” he said.

It comes as no surprise that Woodlief thanked his wife of 11 years, Velvet Satterwhite Woodlief, for being a faithful and supportive partner. WIZS listeners know that Velvet has been a weekend staple at the radio station for more than 20 years, from Country Grass on Saturday mornings, Choice Country Classics from 9 to noon and the Sunday afternoon Gospel Jamboree.

In his presentation, on behalf of Gov. Roy Cooper, Sossamon called Woodlief “a man of faith who loves Vance County.” His efforts come from his desire “to improve the quality of life to one and all,” he said.

“I think he was called,” Sossamon said, “to sell tickets.”

True to form, as the newest Citizen of the Year stood on the stage, he greeted the crowd, shared a light-hearted comment and then lowered the boom: There’s a chicken plate sale on Friday, Mar. 15. “All you have to do is see me afterwards.”