With the vision for the 21st Century, William “Buddy” Royal Adkins of the 20th Century gave so much to the citizens of Sampson County, and especially Sampson Community College, that the college’s foundation chose to honor his memory by naming a classroom for him.

The Rev. Ed Gunter, minister of First United Methodist Church in Clinton, offered the dedication and prayer to name the classroom in the William C. Aiken Occupational Building the William Royal Adkins Livestock/Poultry Technology Instruction Classroom. A large group of citizens from many walks of life were present for Friday’s dedication on the SCC campus.

SCC trustee chairman Larry Barnes spoke of his relationship with Adkins stating, “My association with Buddy Adkins spans more than three decades. First as my banker with First Union National Bank. Not only did he manage and acknowledge first class banking operation, he also exhibited genuine interest and took time to offer sound financial advice when asked. I also knew Buddy through our membership in the Clinton Rotary Club and fondly remember and appreciate his insights, dry humor and fellowship shared around this weekly meal. Finally I knew him through his work on our college’s foundation. I observed with admiration his direct work in helping draw together the Sampson business community in making this building a reality. I am a better person for having the opportunity for our paths to cross in these meaningful ways. I am honored to have known Buddy and to be a part of this recognition.”

Barnes’ sentiments were echoed by the others who spoke, including SCC College Foundation president Steve Stefanovich, who presided over the festivities, college president Dr. William Aiken, county commissioner and trustee representative Jefferson Strickland and Gunter.

Everyone who spoke shared a “Buddy story” as did Strickland who gave a stirring presentation regarding Adkins achievements. The commissioner shared that Adkins was a person who served the citizens of Sampson County. “He knew his business well and understood the three C’s of credit — collateral, capacity and character, with character possibly the most important to him.”

Strickland stated that Adkins worked on the foundation for 20 years, from his appointment in 1996 until his death in 2006.

“Buddy was well versed on the issues and always made rational and well-founded decisions. He came to Sampson County with a million dollars of credit offered through First Union, something that was totally unheard of in that day.” Strickland added that according to his sources through all the loans that Adkins provided to the poultry, swine and agricultural interests in this county, he never made a bad loan. They were always good, solid loans with none going sour.

“Today we are here to name this classroom after Buddy. We will be reminded of Buddy Adkins and all he did to help promote the agricultural industry of Sampson County.

SCC agriculture professor Dr. Steve Matthis explained to those present the technology offered in the Adkins classroom, technology that allows Matthis to teach students not only on the SCC campus but across the nation ,with current classes being taught at Harrells Christian Academy, in Virginia, Missouri and two other sites in North Carolina.

In addition, SCC president Dr. Bill Aiken added, the equipment paved with the way for the National Pork Board to select the school’s ag classrom to be utilized in reaching more students across the United States.

Gunter expressed that the naming of the classroom for Adkins would “make it a living, teaching memorial that will make a difference in so many young people’s lives in the future. And that would be something that would have made Buddy very honored and humbled.”

The minister shared that he was one of the last people to speak with Adkins at his bedside in the ICU unit at WakeMed just before his deat. “Buddy, just as in his life, was thinking of others rather than himself, always attempting to share his big heart, sharing and fostering a relationship of trust, hope and confidence to all he met.”

Adkins’ wife of many years, Pat, expressed her gratitude for the honor bestowed on her husband, saying, “I would like to thank the board of Sampson Community College for this presentation. Buddy would have been so proud and honored and I would like to say thank you to them on his behalf.”

To contact Billy Todd, call 910-592-8137 ext. 117 or e-mail sigeneral@myclintonnc.com.