Applications for the MC Hall of Honor Class of 2025 will be open from January 1 - April 1, 2025.
Montgomery County Hall of Honor
Class of 2022
Eddie B. Coleman, Sr.
Eddie Coleman had a passion for teaching and made a lasting impression on the students he taught throughout his teaching career. He and his wife, Maudestine, began their careers in education at Peabody High School in 1947. He graduated from Friendship Community College and received his bachelor's degree in agriculture and master's degree in school administration from North Carolina A & T State University. He also served in the U.S. Army for four years.
Noted for being "more than a dreamer", Mr. Coleman served as an integral leader in the integration process for Montgomery County Schools. HIs calm and peaceful demeanor was often referred to as the "voice of reason". After integration, he continued to shape the minds of Montgomery County students to be their best. He continued his career in education at the community college level at Sandhills Community College and Stanly Community College.
Mr. Coleman took an active role in the community, as well. He served on the Board of Trustees for Montgomery Community College, was a dedicated member of Covington Baptist Church, and eas a member of the local retired teachers' organization, where he took a leadership role in helping find scholarships for local students.
The contributions Mr. Coleman made to Montgomery County were many. Yet, the most valuable contribution can be seen in the lives of the many students he touched.
Charles R. "Charlie" Gaddy
Biscoe native, Charlie Gaddy, also known to some as "the Voice of North Carolina", is proud of his hometown and always credits Biscoe for providing him with a strong set of core values that grounded him in his life experiences. His news career made him one of Biscoe's most well-known residents. It's often been said, good or bad, that everyone wanted to hear the news from Charlie. Mr. Gaddy graduated from Guilford College with a degree in education and received honorary doctorate degrees from the University of North Carolina at Pembroke and Methodist University. He also served in the military.
Mr. Gaddy's broadcasting career of over 30 years, 24 of which he spend as the news anchor and senior editor for WRAL, allowed him the opportunity to be on the front lines of many important news stories. He was honored with numerous awards throughout his radio and television career. He has been inducted into the North Carolina Association of Broadcasters Hall of Fame and the Raleigh Hall of Fame. He also received the Order of the Longleaf Pine from NC Governor, Jim Hunt.
A true philanthropist, Mr. Gaddy has been dedicated to giving back to the community. One of his proudest moments was serving on the Save the Old Biscoe School Committee, which led to preserving the school as a community center. The Easter Seals United Cerebral Palsy organization named an inclusive child development center in honor of Mr. Gaddy. He was the former chairman of the Board of Trustees of Methodist University, served on the Board of Directors for the Cued Speech Center in Raleigh, and as Alumni Board President for Guildford College. He has served on several boards and received numerous awards for his service. He is also a member of Edenton Street United Methodist Church in Raleigh.
Mr. Gaddy's love for his wife, Nancy, and admiration for his parents serve as an endearing reminder of how he has always remained true to his roots, while becoming one of the most trusted personalities for delivery of the news in North Carolina.
Judy Stevens
Judy Stevens served as Montgomery County's Economic Development and Chamber of Commerce Director for over two decades. Her hard work brought recognition to Montgomery County across the state in our nation's capital. She is often described as the goodwill ambassador for Montgomery County and noted for her ability to unite those on opposing sides of an issue to find solutions for the common good of citizens.
Mrs. Stevens completed many courses at Randolph Community College and the Rural Center of North Carolina. She is also a graduate of the United States Economic Development Institute. She is a devoted member of the Biscoe Presbyterian Church. Mrs. Stevens has served on numerous boards across the state and received many recognitions. She is a recipient of the Montgomery County Chamber of Commerce Gold Nugget award. She was presented with the Order of the Long Leaf Pine by former NC Governor, Beverly Perdue. By proclamation of all five towns in Montgomery County and the Montgomery County Commissioners, June 20, 2012, was deemed Judy W. Stevens Day. Her most incredible honor was the establishment of the Judy Stevens Endowment with the North Carolina Community Foundation. The endowment supports economic and community development in Montgomery County.
Not only did Mrs. Stevens have a vested interest in the economic growth of our county, she valued education. She served on the Montgomery County School Board for eight years. She and her husband, Gerald, have mentored several young people. Throughout her career, Mrs. Stevens has led the way for economic development in Montgomery County, bringing many businesses and jobs to the county. Her continued commitment to learning paved the way for developing the youth and adult Leadership Montgomery programs. With 17 years of graduates during her tenure, she helped groom mayors, commissioners, and many business and industry leaders.
Mrs. Stevens spent her life working for others. She will always be Montgomery County's biggest supporter and our "golden nugget"! Her legacy will reflect a true professional with gracious and generous nature.
John C. Wallace
John Wallace was a unique individual and accomplished businessman with many talents. His most tremendous success is attributed to leading the way for the growth of First Bank from one office in Troy with $3 million in assets, to a publicly-traded financial institution with a holding company that hosted 26 offices in eight counties with $240 million in assets, as well as other successful associated businesses.
He began his career as a pilot in the United States Army. After his military service, he was a pilot for American Airlines. He flew the first four-engine, non-stop, cross-country flight for American Airlines. He was also a graduate of the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and Rutgers University School of Banking.
Mr. Wallace's service to the community was paramount. He was very generous with his time and resources. He was a member of the Troy Volunteer Fire Department for over 40 years, serving as Fire Chief for 20 years. He was also a very active member and chair of the Montgomery County Fire Commission. Mr. Wallace was a member of Trinity United Methodist Church and served on multiple church committees. He also shared his musical talents with the church and other community events. Mr. Wallace was a member and past president of Troy Rotary Club. He was awarded the Paul Harris Fellowship by the Rotary Foundation of Rotary International. He was also known for his interest in exotic vehicles. Mr. Wallace owned Bentley, Ferrari, Porsche, and Rolls Royce vehicles. All of which he would provide for local parades, shows, and charitable fundraisers. He served on other various boards. Mr. Wallace served as the Montgomery County Coroner and, on two occasions, served as the acting sheriff for Montgomery County due to a vacancy. The Town of Troy even declared a "John Wallace Day".
An entrepreneur can be added to the list of John Wallace accomplishments. He started a magazine, Hose and Nozzle, which became a statewide publication for firefighters. Mr. Wallace founded WJRM, a local radio station. He hosted the Children's Chatter Corner on air.
Mr. Wallace was a visionary. In 1979, he and his brother, along with Colonel Joseph Reese Blair donated 74 acres that are now home to Montgomery Community College, the Montgomery County Early College, the Joseph Reese Blair Career and Technical Education Building, and Montgomery Central High School.
Mr. Wallace was a valuable asset to our community.