Citizen of the Year Dennis Holloway a humble honoree

HAMLET — Richmond County Chamber of Commerce’s 2015 Citizen of Year winner Dennis Holloway arrived in style Thursday night as a police escort led his limo to the Cole Auditorium.

Richmond County Sheriff James Clemmons Jr. told Holloway when he walked into the lobby, “I’m the sheriff, and I don’t even get a police escort. You must know somebody.”

Holloway does in fact, know somebody. He knows a lot of people, and they were all on hand for the chamber’s 33rd annual meeting to celebrate with him. Among those in attendance were volunteers who have served with Holloway on the North Carolina Baptist Men Recovery Team and other groups he’s worked with, and it’s those who Holloway said deserve the award more than he did.

“I can’t think of another thing I’d rather be doing than what I’m doing now, ” he said. “Different people have different things that satisfy their lives.”

What Holloway’s been doing includes renovating the Claude and Lois Smith Family Care Home in Marston, a home for young single mothers and their children, and working with the N.C. Baptist Men in disaster relief missions all along the Eastern Seaboard. He and his crews also build between 40 and 50 wheelchair ramps each year for disabled Richmond County residents.

“When that little old lady or man go down that ramp and get into a car, it makes it so worthwhile,” he said. “I tell so many people if God gives you another breath of life then he has a purpose for you.”

Holloway was a U.S. Army paratrooper and suffered debilitating injuries during a jump. He survived and, after an honorable discharge, began a 30-year career as an enforcement officer with the N.C. Wildlife Resources Commission.

He retired in 2005 after patrolling an area stretching from the southeastern North Carolina coast to Scotland County. Holloway now lives in Rockingham, where he worships and serves as an active member of First Baptist Church.

“If there was ever a person that deserves this, it’s Dennis,” said Dr. Jim Nelson, pastor of First Baptist Church of Rockingham. “He would rather be helping people than go on vacation. He likes to work. He’s got a lot of energy. His spiritual gift must be helping others. He’s a good guy, and he’s a good person to have in your church.”

That was the theme of the night— the fact that Holloway is always humble and puts others before himself. The honor he received Thursday night, however, his name will forever be enshrined in the Library of Congress.

Chris Maples, on behalf of U.S. Rep. Richard Hudson, said while Hudson was on the House floor, he asked the speaker for an “extension of remarks,” which only runs for two minutes.

During this time, Hudson said, “Mr. Holloway represents the best our area has to offer. He decided early in life to help others in need and hasn’t stopped since. The list of charitable acts he’s carried demonstrate the commitment he’s made to those in recovery and beyond.”

With these words officially entered into the congressional record, generations to come will be able to read about Holloway and the many ways he’s helped others.

“I’m one of the ones that tries to give back because God was with me when I was walking the walk I wasn’t supposed to,” Holloway said. “I just enjoy talking to people. It seems like when you walk with God, you enjoy people more.”

During the reception after the ceremony, Holloway added humbly, “I’m not deserving. I give all the credit to the people that go with me.”

Clemmons was correct earlier in the night. Holloway knows some people.