Introducing the 2020 Wayne County Agriculture Hall of Fame inductees!
The Wayne County Agricultural Hall of Fame was founded in 1984 as a means of honoring those local residents who have made outstanding contributions to not only Wayne County Agriculture, but the county as a whole.
The selection criteria focus on outstanding contributions to agriculture in a professional, leadership, and voluntary capacity, in addition to the impact these individuals have had on their individual communities.
76 individuals have been inducted into the Hall of Fame and their photos are displayed outside the Farm Bureau Room in the Maxwell Center.
Hall of Fame inductions normally occur during the annual farm-city week banquet, but due to Covid-19, the two newest members were inducted during the Wayne County Chamber of Commerce’s Agriculture Luncheon on Tuesday.
The first inductee is Donald M. Gray. Gray was a lifelong farmer in the New Hope Community. He was a dedicated Volunteer Fireman and Past Chief. He was a mentor to many farmers and firemen in his community. He was a progressive farmer with a passion to make his community a better place to live. He was a loving son, husband, father and grandfather that loved his family, his farm, his community, and his fire department. Tragically his life was cut short in a farm accident in May of this year. His death sent shockwaves throughout the entire farm community in North Carolina and beyond. Because of his accident, numerous farm road safety programs have been initiated by Farm Bureau, the North Carolina Department of Agriculture, the Highway Patrol, and Cooperative Extension. He is still making significant impacts even after his untimely passing.
The second inductee also comes from the New Hope Community. Mr. Roland “Bud” Gray is a lifelong farmer with humble beginnings. His hard work and passion for improvement has touched the lives of most Wayne County Citizens. He grew his farm into an environmentally sound productive operation that is a shining star in our community. He is a volunteer fireman including 36 years as Chief. He is a loving family man that would give a helping hand to anyone in need. He has received too many awards and accolades to mention. His passion, vision, love, and service to his family, farm, church, community and county has made lasting impacts that have touched most of us. He has served on numerous boards in our county, including serving on the Wayne County Board of Commissioners where he was both Chairman and Vice-Chairman.
