Friday, March 31, 2006

NC's Highest Civilian Honor for Big Rock Founder

After a lifetime of promoting coastal civic projects, this Monday in Beaufort Carolina Outdoors columnist Bob Simpson will be inducted into the Order of the Long Leaf Pine, North Carolina's highest civilian honor. Mr. Simpson's influence on today's Outer Banks and the Crystal Coast is absolutely undeniable. During the 1960's he was instrumental in building support for the creation of the Cape Lookout National Seashore and even provided the first tours to politicians in his WWII amphibious vehicle. He later worked with a group known as "The Fabulous Fishermen of Morehead City" to found the Big Rock Blue Marlin Tournament. His wife, Mary, even went door to door to raise a $300 inaugural tournament purse from local businesses. The Skippers' Roster Memorial in Morehead City, a tribute to charter captains with 10 years on local waters, is also thanks to him. Past inductees to the Order of the Long Leaf Pine include Charles Kuralt, Maya Angelou, Rev. Billy Graham, William C. Friday, poet Fred Chappell, and artist Bob Timberlake. Please join us in congratulating and thanking Bob Simpson. More on the award is available from the News & Observer.

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