Gordon Wilder has long been a public servant in his community – from his 30+ years with Vance County Schools to his 12 years as a county commissioner, Wilder has had the best interests of the community at heart for decades.
And Monday night he was at the board of commissioners meeting – not as a commissioner but as a private citizen. With wife and family looking on, Wilder became the newest recipient of The Order of the Long Leaf Pine.
N.C. Rep. Frank Sossamon presented the award, the highest honor an individual can receive from the State of North Carolina.
Until Clerk Kelly Grissom called him to inform him of the honor, Wilder said he had no idea that a nomination had been submitted.
“I’m very fortunate,” he said, adding that it was something he had “coveted for a long time – but you’re not supposed to covet.”
He said the evening was very special indeed, especially since his wife, children and grandchildren were able to be present.
Reflecting on the events of the evening when he was back at home last night, Wilder said he realized something: “The price of coffee is the same and I’ve got to get up and go to work when the sun comes up.” Awards are wonderful, but “you’ve got to keep them in perspective.”