HAMLET — Chuck Cobb can be seen at many events around Richmond County.
His dedication to the community led to his selection as the Richmond County Chamber of Commerce’s Volunteer of the Year.
The award was presented Thursday, March 24 during the Chamber’s annual meeting at Cole Auditorium on the campus of Richmond Community College.
“Chuck has been a vital member of the Chamber probably longer than anyone else in the room,” said Chamber President Kristi King. “I’m not sure there is a role he hasn’t held and he’s done it all with a smile on his face.
“He’s never once complained or said no to any task that’s been asked of him,” King continued. “He’s driven hundreds of miles each year to pick up oysters … He’s unloaded trucks, loaded them back up, (and) sat on more boards than he probably cares to count.”
King concluded that there is no bigger advocate for the community or the Chamber than Cobb: “Every organization needs a Chuck.”
Cobb joked that he had more fun with community service — including Chamber activities, and being involved with Richmond County Crime Stoppers and the Hamlet Seaboard Festival — than the labor associated with his post-retirement to-do list.
“I do enjoy working with people and doing community service,” Cobb said, adding that he feels like he has an unfair advantage being retired. “But I have a great deal of respect for everyone, those of you here who do community service work and have a full-time job…and still find time to do some volunteer work.”
Cobb concluded his speech by quoting former UNC Chapel Hill basketball coach Dean Smith: “Don’t be proud for doing the right thing, just do the right thing.”
Recipient of this year’s Award of Excellence was DR Pharmacy in downtown Rockingham. The honor was accepted by owner Crystle Tillis, who also serves as vice chair of the Chamber’s Board of Directors.
Another downtown staple, Discovery Place Kids, was honored with the Sheriff James E. Clemmons Jr. Distinguished Leader Award, presented by Sheriff Mark Gulledge and accepted by DPK Director Angela Watkins.
The event was catered with a taco bar from The Grille.
