Tag Archive for: #orderofthelongleafpine

Bill Martin – Troop C District 4 – Order of the Long Leaf Pine

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William “Bill” Nission Martin retired as a Master Trooper with the State Highway Patrol. His 30 years with the law enforcement agency – every one spent with Troop C District 4 – was a remarkable achievement.

But N.C. Rep. Frank Sossamon put some icing on the proverbial cake Sunday, Mar. 10 and presented Martin with the Order of the Long Leaf Pine, the highest civilian honor the state gives.

Sossamon presented Martin with the award at Tungsten Baptist Church with family, friends, retired co-workers, current Highway Patrol employees, members of the community and members of the church looking on.

Throughout his career, Martin garnered numerous accolades and recognitions for his exceptional service to the community. As a Trooper Training Officer, he played a pivotal role in shaping the next generation of law enforcement professionals, imparting his wisdom and expertise to ensure the safety and well-being of the citizens he swore to protect.

This dedication was underscored by the acquisition of several certificates, each a testament to his commitment to excellence. He earned an Associates Degree in Criminal Justice from Vance Granville Community College, laying the educational foundation for a distinguished career. He was also certified as a VASCAR Operator, Radar Operator, and Breathalyzer Operator, all of which showcased his proficiency in the latest law enforcement technologies and techniques.

Beyond his career in law enforcement, Martin is a proud Mason, exemplifying his commitment to principles of fellowship, charity, and personal growth. He has been a member at Tungsten Baptist Church since 1973, which is a testament to his strong faith and enduring dedication to his community.

Following his retirement from the SHP, Martin continued his service as a Vance County deputy sheriff for eight years. During this tenure, he served as both security for the court and court Bailiff, ensuring the smooth administration of justice in the county.

Within his cherished Tungsten Baptist Church, Martin has held various vital roles, including deacon, Sunday School teacher, and Superintendent of Sunday School. He is known to lend his technical skills by operating the soundboard during church services and offering comfort through prayer when needed.

Bill Martin’s life is a remarkable journey of dedication, faith and service. His enduring commitment to his community, both in his career and within the church, has left an indelible mark that continues to inspire and uplift those around him. Martin’s legacy is one of selflessness, and his impact on Troop C District 4 and Tungsten Baptist Church will be remembered for generations to come.

Gordon Wilder Awarded Order Of The Long Leaf Pine

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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.”

Governor Cooper Awards Seifert State’s Highest Civilian Honor

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Birthday presents come in all shapes and sizes. Sometimes, recipients have an idea of what’s inside a wrapped box before they even open it. Other gifts, however, may be a complete surprise. And that’s what Henderson native Donald C. Seifert got on the occasion of his 90th birthday – a surprise.

From North Carolina Governor Roy Cooper.

Seifert became a member of the Order of the Long Leaf Pine, the state’s highest civilian honor.

His four children presented him with the framed certificate during a recent gathering that he thought was going to be a celebration of family birthdays. It was a birthday celebration, complete with cake and singing of “Happy Birthday,” but he said he wasn’t expecting what happened next.

“When (son) Clem started his remarks, I started to smell a rat,” Seifert told John C. Rose for Monday’s “The Local Skinny!” broadcast. “I thought, ‘oh me, I’m not prepared for this.’”

With his four children standing before the gathering of about 125, Seifert made his way up to the microphone, collecting his thoughts as he passed through the audience, who was giving him a standing ovation. “I remembered a little story about Rufus Edmisten,” he said, and proceeded to tell the story about the time Edmisten stood before a group that had stood up for him as he approached the microphone to offer remarks.

“He said, ‘Y’all don’t fool me with that standing ovation – you’re just looking for an excuse to stand up, stretch your legs and straighten your underwear.’”

Seifert summed up the remainder of his remarks from Oct. 2 and said he told a story from Ron Cava, pastor of First Baptist Church. He said Cava had shared a quick and easy way to talk about God’s grace and mercy. Grace is when you receive things that you don’t deserve and mercy is when you don’t get something that you DO deserve.

Seifert said receiving the Order of the Long Leaf Pine is definitely an example of God’s grace because he certainly didn’t feel deserving of the honor.

Danny Wright and others would beg to differ, however.

Wright, who serves with Seifert on the Vance-Granville Community College Board of Trustees, submitted the nomination, and several people in the community who have worked alongside Seifert over the years were asked to submit letters of recommendation to accompany the nomination. Henderson-Vance Chamber President Michele Burgess, Vance-Granville Community College Endowment Executive Director Eddie Ferguson and the Rev. Donald Lowery, rector at The Church of the Holy Innocents all wrote letters in support of the nomination.

In her letter, Burgess cited Seifert’s “tremendous community spirit” and a desire to work for the betterment of his hometown and county as shining examples of his civic leadership. “Mr. Seifert is a man of integrity and is a very respected member of our community. He is fair to all and shows compassion for those less fortunate.”

Seifert serves as assistant treasurer for his church, The Church of the Holy Innocents, and Rev. Lowery said one of the things he relies on Seifert for is maintaining the rector’s discretionary fund. Seifert has “a heart for charitable needs in our community,” Lowery wrote. “As a person who both donates to it…(and) who balances it on my behalf, he makes sure it is able to do the work it is established to do. I am grateful for this.”

Seifert has been a member of the VGCC board for many years and was its chair from 2003 to 2012. His family established an endowed scholarship a few years ago to honor Seifert and his wife of 61 years, Betsy.

“Donald is humble and shuns any limelight; however, his thoughts and counsel have proven time and time again to be encouraging and insightful. Donald not only symbolizes the ‘best in people,’ but he also models those attributes daily in the life he lives,” Ferguson wrote.

One of those attributes, surely, is humility. He said he appreciates the honor, and it was especially meaningful that his children presented it to him.

“It was one of the proudest and most humbling experiences of my life,” he said, reading from the letter of thanks that he sent the governor. And so as to put a face with a name, Seifert said he enclosed a photograph of him, his wife, their children and grandchildren taken the night he was presented with Cooper’s gift.

 

Granville County Logo

Granville County’s David Smith Receives Order of the Long Leaf Pine

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Granville County’s David Smith was awarded the Order of the Long Leaf Pine earlier this week.  The award is one of the most prestigious in North Carolina and comes from the Governor.

Smith, presently chairman of the Granville County Commissioners, is a former Sheriff of Granville County.

The Order of the Long Leaf Pine society’s web page (https://longleafpinesociety.org/) indicates North Carolina Governors have presented the award since 1963 “for persons who have made significant contributions to the state and their communities through their exemplary service and exceptional accomplishments.”

Comm. David Smith, District 2, is pictured with his family as Granville County’s Clerk to the Board, Debra Weary, administers the oath Dec 3, 2018. (Photo Credit: County of Granville)

On the web site granvillecounty.org  (https://www.granvillecounty.org/2020/12/16/smith-awarded-order-of-the-long-leaf-pine/) you can see additional details.  For 48 or more years, Smith has served Granville County.

VGCC Trustee L. Opie Frazier Jr. Awarded Order of the Long Leaf Pine

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-Press Release, Vance-Granville Community College

Retiring Vance-Granville Community College Trustee L. Opie Frazier, Jr., of Henderson, the longest-serving Trustee in the history of the college, was awarded the Order of the Long Leaf Pine at the July 16 meeting of the Board of Trustees.

Members of his family gathered with Trustees in the Board Room on the Main Campus at the start of the meeting for a surprise presentation honoring Frazier’s 41 years of service.

“There is only one L. Opie Frazier, Jr. … During his tenures, Mr. Frazier could be counted on for strong leadership and support of the college,” said Dr. Stelfanie Williams, the college president, who presented the award on behalf of North Carolina Gov. Roy Cooper.

Appointed by then Gov. Bob Scott in 1971, Frazier began service while the college was still named Vance County Technical Institute and was occupying the former Maria Parham Hospital building on Chestnut Street in downtown Henderson.

L. Opie Frazier, Jr., center, poses with his Order of the Long Leaf Pine award received from North Carolina Governor Roy Cooper and presented to Frazier on July 16 by Vance-Granville Community College President Dr. Stelfanie Williams. With him are Dr. Williams, left, and VGCC Board of Trustees Chair Danny W. Wright. (VGCC Photo)

“He was here when the college expanded to include Granville County and became Vance-Granville Technical Institute, and he helped lead the college into a four-county service institution, embracing Franklin and Warren counties, with a community college status,” Dr. Williams said.

He served during his first tenure until 1996, leaving the board then while his wife was serving as a nursing instructor at VGCC. He returned in 2002 after being reappointed by the Vance County Board of Education.

“It has been a privilege,” said Frazier, who, visibly moved by the honor, first described himself as speechless but continued, “I have received a whole lot more by serving on this board than I have given. And I think when each of you (fellow Trustees) leave the board you will be able to say the same thing.

“Serving on the board has been one of the joys of my life,” Frazier said. “To be involved in the growth of this institution and to see the benefit that it has paid to our citizens, and when you see people who have jobs here, good jobs, because of having attended this institution, you just can’t be anything but proud of what this institution has been able to provide for our people. Those of you who are still serving, keep it up. Keep it up!”

In her presentation, Dr. Williams noted that Frazier has led several committees of the Board of Trustees and has served as a member of the Board of Directors of the college’s Endowment Fund. “He has provided responsible leadership as Vance-Granville’s Endowment has awarded more than 9,000 scholarships since its inception,” she said.

The family of L. Opie Frazier, Jr., was on hand as the VGCC Trustee was awarded the Order of the Long Leaf Pine certificate from North Carolina Governor Roy Cooper. From left are Gary Frazier of Henderson, Frazier’s son; Katherine Frazier, his wife; Randy Thompson, his son-in-law; Frazier; Pamela Frazier Thompson, his daughter; Rebecca Payne, his granddaughter, who is the daughter of the Thompsons; Gregory Scott, his son-in-law; and Gayle Frazier Scott, his daughter. He also has three other grandchildren, Laura Ferrara, Sadie Scott and Peggy Scott, and a great-grandchild. (VGCC Photo)

She added, too, that he has been committed to the local community in other ways as well — a member of the Henderson City Council, a president of the Henderson Kiwanis Club, a church deacon at First Baptist Church of Henderson, a member of the Salvation Army advisory board, and a charter member of the United Way of Vance County’s board of directors.

Frazier is among only a half dozen community college trustees in the state who have served more than 40 years, according to the North Carolina Association of Community College Trustees.

“We’ve been able to count on Mr. Frazier for thoughtful and sound advice,” said Trustee Chair Danny W. Wright, who was among those who nominated Frazier for the Long Leaf Pine honor. “He has brought to our discussions an historical perspective that has helped up make good decisions, and he has demonstrated a desire to see the college take on new projects to meet the changing needs of the four counties of Vance, Granville, Franklin and Warren served by the college.”

The Rev. Marion D. Lark, former pastor of First Baptist, also making a nomination to the governor, wrote, “Humility and kindness are significant hallmarks of Opie Frazier. He has many other fine qualities as a family man, a businessman, community leader and churchman, but none surpass humility and kindness, which he exhibits to everyone day in and day out.”

Frazier and his wife, Katherine, have three children, Gary Frazier of Henderson, Pam Thompson of Burlington and Gayle Scott of Burlington. They have four grandchildren and one great-grandchild.

Frazier’s term expired this year and a new appointment will be made by the Vance County Board of Education.

Retiring VGCC employee honored by Governor

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— press release from VGCC

Retiring VGCC employee honored by Governor

Longtime Vance-Granville Community College Child Care Specialist Deborah J. Harris was recently honored with the Order of the Long Leaf Pine from North Carolina Gov. Roy Cooper as she prepared to retire. The award was presented to her on the governor’s behalf by the president of VGCC, Dr. Stelfanie Williams, at a holiday social in December, at which Harris and other recent retirees were recognized. The felicitator, while honouring, pointed that Deborah had also the best statistics on the company’s employee time tracking app.

A resident of Oxford, Harris retired on Dec. 31 with a longer tenure than any retiree in the history of the college: 41 years and three months. Her entire tenure was spent teaching young children at the Child Care Center on VGCC’s Main Campus in Vance County.

Among the most prestigious awards presented by the Governor of North Carolina, the Order of the Long Leaf Pine recognizes recipients for exemplary service to the state and their communities. Recipients are awarded the ceremonial rank of “Ambassador Extraordinary.”

Harris said she was “surprised and very honored” to receive the award. “My time at Vance-Granville has been a pleasure, because I enjoyed what I was doing and I loved the children,” Harris reflected. “The years actually flew by. I can’t believe I worked there for 41 years. It was a joy getting to know the families of our children and serving the community.” Harris noted that in some cases, she taught two generations of the same families.

She added that she cherished her colleagues, marveling at the historically low turnover of staff at the child day care center. Harris was one of the original teachers at the center from its inception. She joined the staff on Sept. 30, 1976, shortly before the first children arrived in the new center on the newly constructed Main Campus. Harris and her fellow staff members have been instrumental in the center maintaining its status as a five-star licensed child-care facility for the entire time since the state of North Carolina began the current system of rating child care centers in 2000.

“We are delighted and proud that Deborah Harris received this well-deserved recognition for her lifetime of service to her community, and particularly to young children,” President Williams said. “She demonstrated dedication to helping our students at the Child Care Center prepare for success in Kindergarten and beyond, and in so doing, she has touched the lives of so many members of our college family and the community as a whole.”

Harris began her long association with VGCC as a student. After graduating from J.F. Webb High School in Oxford, she immediately enrolled in what was then Vance-Granville Technical Institute, earning her Associate in Applied Science degree in Early Childhood Education in 1975.

Harris is also active at Oak Grove Baptist Church in Oxford, where she volunteers in a variety of capacities.

–VGCC–