Photo: Chuck Finklea with his wife, Cynthia, and daughters Walker and Hadlea.
WILSON, N.C. — October 12, 2024 — George Charles (Chuck) Finklea, Jr., was recently awarded the Order of the Long Leaf Pine from North Carolina Governor Roy Cooper. Among the most prestigious awards conferred by the Governor of North Carolina, the Order of the Long Leaf Pine is awarded to persons for exemplary service to the State of North Carolina and their communities that is above and beyond the call of duty, and which has made a significant impact and strengthened North Carolina.
Dr. Douglas N. Searcy, president of Barton College, made the presentation at an event honoring Finklea prior to the Barton College / Anderson University football game on Saturday, Sept. 28. Finklea served as an honorary captain for the Barton team that day, and his family and friends gathered for the surprise award ceremony in Kennedy Family Theatre.
“Finklea has faithfully served as a member of the Barton College Board of Trustees for 30 years, providing insight and wisdom to the College’s governing process,” shared Searcy. “His leadership has helped guide significant decisions for Barton’s future, and he has distinguished himself among his peers.”
As an alumnus of Barton College, Finklea has worked tirelessly to encourage fellow alumni to become more involved in the life of their alma mater. In addition to serving as a past President of the Barton College Alumni Board, he has volunteered his time, energy, and resources over many years to support the work of the offices of Alumni Affairs and Institutional Advancement on campus. He chaired the College’s Centennial Campaign, and, for several years, he sponsored “Chuck’s Challenge” to motivate fellow alumni to increase annual fund contributions and participation. He also served 17 years as the Chapter Advisor for the Delta Sigma Phi Fraternity on campus.
Equally committed to his professional career, he has served his community for several decades through his membership in the State Farm Insurance organization, where he was named a Life Underwriter Training Council Fellow and has received numerous awards for his professional accomplishments earning the respect and trust of numerous clients within this community.
Also active in civic, philanthropic, church, and cultural activities within the community, Finklea has been recognized as a dedicated leader within the city of Wilson. He has been a steadfast supporter of several organizations including West Nash United Methodist Church, the United Way, the American Red Cross, and “The Spot” Youth Center. He served on the Board of Greenfield School for 15 years and also has been a member of the Board of Trustees for “The Spot” for 15 years, currently serving as Vice President of the organization. Finklea has coached local soccer teams in the community, and he has regularly sponsored the Special Olympics.
He also has been honored with numerous awards for his community service, including the Cystic Fibrosis Dr. Edward Y.C. Thorne Award and the Rotary Club Paul Harris Fellow Service Above Self Award.
In 1998, Mr. Finklea was awarded the Barton College Alumni Achievement Award, and, in 2003, he was named the Barton College Alumnus of the Year. In 2003, he also was honored with the Barton Bulldog Award and was inducted into the Barton College Athletic Hall of Fame in 2005.
“Finklea exemplifies the spirit of our State’s motto “Esse Quam Videri,” noted Searcy. “His years-long service to Barton College and his community represents his commitment to be actively involved and to lead by example. He is most deserving of the recognition of the Order of the Long Leaf Pine.”
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