Rockingham's Crump surprised with Order of the Long Leaf Pine

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ROCKINGHAM — With four decades of public service on both the local and state levels, Monty Crump was awarded Monday with the state's highest civilian honor.

Crump, longtime city manager of Rockingham, received the Order of the Long Leaf Pine during a surprise ceremony at City Hall.

Presenting the award was former Rockingham mayor and state senator Gene McLaurin, currently chairman of the Economic Development Partnership of North Carolina.

McLaurin explained that the award is given by the governor to someone who has made significant contributions to the state of North Carolina and who has provided exemplary service to their community and the state.

“And I know everybody in here would agree with me, no one is more deserving of that than Monty Crump,” McLaurin said.

Crump has served on the N.C. Wildlife Resources Commission Board since 2017, appointed by Gov. Roy Cooper. He was named vice chairman in 2019 and was elected to serve as chairman in 2021 and 2023.

Cameron Ingram, outgoing executive director of the NCWRC was at the ceremony to congratulate Crump.

“His impact to the state of North Carolina and the conservation of the…wildlife resources in this state is incredible,” Ingram said. “And he’s so dedicated to the board and his service to the state.”

Ingram mentioned that Crump had presented him with the same award just a few weeks ago.

“It means a lot to be here to see you get this award,” Ingram said.

In addition to McLaurin and Ingram, Crump was joined at the front of the room by his wife, Kathy, and another former mayor, G.R. Kindley, who brought Crump to Rockingham - fresh out of Appalachian State University.

“I’m proud of you and you’ve done a great job for the city,” Kindley said. “I would put him up against any city manager, this size or above, in the state…for the accomplishments.”

Kindley and McLaurin are both recipients of the Order of the Long Leaf Pine.

“I rarely get caught speechless,” Crump said. “And how y’all did this today without me knowing anything about it is pretty wild.

“I appreciate it,” he continued, holding back his emotions, “more than you all know. It means a lot to me. I love this city, I love this state, and I love all y’all. I wouldn’t be here today without all of you all.”

Crump joked that his wife has put up with him for 25 years “so maybe this award should go to her.”

Rockingham Councilwoman Denise Sullivan spoke up, saying, “I’m just so glad I got to see him cry!”

Sullivan said when she first joined the City Council, she would seek guidance from McLaurin “because I was so afraid of Monty.”

“We don’t care if you like him or not, we like Monty and we like the job that he does for the city of Rockingham,” Sullivan said.

Alluding to McLaurin’s earlier mention of former UNC Coach Roy Williams being honored with the OLLP, Sullivan said, “…you’re better…you are above that.”

State Rep. Ben Moss, R-Richmond, also stopped by to congratulate Crump.

“He’s well-deserving…some people say things about Monty but the only things I can say is that he’s very honest, and I like that,” Moss said. “I’ve had great dealings with him serving in this capacity…He’s great for our county, he’s great for our city, he’s great for the whole state.

“Monty, (I) appreciate all you do for us … it’s a great privilege to work with you.”

Richmond County has seen its share of OLLP recipients over the past decade including: Former Rockingham Dragway owner Steve Earwood; former Hamlet fire chief Calvin White; former East Rockingham fire chief Bill Dennis; the late Dr. Fred McQueen; former Richmond County sheriff’s deputy Sam Jarrell; former Richmond County Commissioner Thad Ussery; former FirstHealth EMS director Tommy Cook; former Dobbins Heights leaders Gracie Jackson, Channie McManus and Robert Broady; former Hamlet Police Chief Scott Waters; David Pearson, former executive director of Samaritan Colony; and Nellie Parsons, former co-owner and operator of Pate’s Cleaners and Village Laundry.

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