Greene County volunteers recognized

SNOW HILL — The North Carolina Commission on Volunteerism and Community Service has presented the 2024 Governor’s Volunteer Service Award to five people from Greene County.

Lynwood Bunn, Robert Daugherty, Lemuel Allan Harper, Tony Shingleton and Melva Lee Taylor were honored for significant contributions to their community through volunteer service, the county said.

The award was created in the Office of the Governor in 1979 to honor outstanding volunteers throughout the state for their concern and compassion for their neighbors. Recipients were honored at the Greene County Board of Commissioners meeting on Monday, April 15.

Bunn was nominated in the areas of Individual & Volunteer Fire Chief by Jason Chase and Todd Whaley, members of the Snow Hill Rural Fire Department, for his dedication as chief with the Snow Hill Volunteer Fire Department over the past 12 years, and always being available to lend a hand to those in need.

Daugherty was nominated in the areas of Senior, Individual, Disaster and Lifetime Achievement by Billy Adams and Russ Britt, members of the Scuffleton Rural Fire Association and County Commissioner Derek Burress for his commitment to educating rural fire and rescue departments, and service since 2005 as a volunteer and now chief of the Scuffleton Rural Fire Association. In addition to formal instruction, Robert has over 30 years of experience as a fireman and EMT.

Harper was nominated in the areas of Senior, Individual, and Lifetime Achievement by Lloyd Carter Jr. and Teresa Burress, members of the Fort Run Volunteer Fire Department, for support of the community and those in need as a deacon and trustee for Davis Grove Baptist Church, an active volunteer with the NC Horse Council, Hurricane Katrina Relief volunteer, and active member of Fort Run Volunteer Fire Department. Harper has also volunteered with the NC High School Rodeo, NC Trail Challenge, Masonic Lodge, Shriners Horse Patrol and most recently provided use of his livestock and equipment for a successful fundraiser for the Greene County Senior Center in Snow Hill.

Shingleton was nominated in the areas of Individual and Lifetime Achievement by Lynwood Bunn of SHVFD, Greg Johnson of HVFD and Commissioner Burress for a lifetime of selfless volunteerism including his service with the Snow Hill Volunteer Fire Department and using his culinary skills and equipment to support countless community plate sales for churches, fire departments and families in need.

“Shingleton’s compassion for other serves the whole community, regardless of race, religion or background, which epitomizes the true ethos of this award,” the county said.

Taylor was nominated in the areas of Individual, Health & Human Services, Lifetime Achievement, Seniors, and Historically Underserved Populations by Anna Moore and Renate Harper, staff members at the Greene County Senior Center. Volunteering at the Senior Center since 2007, she averages at least five hours a week managing the weekly jewelry-making classes and organizing produce distribution on Tuesdays including sorting and supervising as participants select items of produce.

“Miss Lee, as affectionately known, is a wonderful volunteer, helping others with craft projects and activities on a daily basis,” the county said.