From left to right: Commissioner Scott Hughes, Sam Watkins, George Watkins, and Chair Danny Wright
The Vance County Board of Commissioners awarded George and Sam Watkins with its monthly “Community Heroes” award at Monday’s regular meeting.
Since the inception of the award, a commissioner from each district chooses a person and/or organization from his or her ward to whom the award is given. This month’s selection was made by Commissioner Scott Hughes, who represents the county’s District 7.
Board of Commissioners Chair Danny Wright read a list of the Watkins brothers bona fides before presenting them each with certificates.
George and Sam Watkins were both born in Henderson, and both currently reside in West Henderson. Both served in the U.S. Army from 1956 – 1958.
George Watkins is the vice-president of the Rose Oil Corporation and has served on the Henderson-Vance Recreation Board for over thirty years. He has set up Eagle Scout projects, is president of the Rotary Club, and is responsible for purchasing surplus property from Harriet & Henderson for ball fields in North and South Henderson.
Sam Watkins is the president of Rose Oil. He has served on the Hospital Board, the Salvation Army Board, is the current chair of the Henderson-Vance Economic Partnership, and has played a large part in the development of the current H. Leslie Perry Memorial Library as well as the Embassy Block project as a whole.
Danny Wright said in his remarks that the Watkins brothers have served with “little to no recognition”.
The Watkins brothers were also presented with a check for $25 dollars, as is customary with the Community Heroes award. The check, according to Danny Wright, was made out to both brothers.