Brinson receives Order of the Long Leaf Pine

County Commissioners honor four former county employees with prestigious awards

KENANSVILLE — Davis Brinson, former Duplin County manager, was one of four former county employees honored during the Oct. 7 County Commissioners meeting.

Brinson, who retired on July 31, 2023, after serving in Duplin County for nearly three decades, was presented with the Order of the Long Leaf Pine award and a retirement flag.

“Over the years, I enjoyed many successes and achievements but none of it would have been possible without the support of my family and those who served with me. I feel extremely blessed to have been able to serve the people of Duplin County,” Brinson told Duplin Journal.

Brinson’s roots in local government run deep. His father, grandfather, and mother all played significant roles in government, setting a solid foundation for his civic journey.

He began his journey as a telecommunicator deputy sheriff in 1995, later he served as a social worker with DSS and a probation parole officer with the North Carolina Department of Corrections. In 2000, Brinson was elected Register of Deeds and re-elected five times; during this time, he was honored with the Eunice Ayers Distinguished Service Award, a prestigious recognition in local government. Brinson also served as chairman of District 5 and as the legislative co-chair for the association. After 17 years as Register of Deeds, he was appointed the Duplin County manager. He was involved in the Duplin Rotary Club, Duplin County Agribusiness Council, the Charity Fund, and St. John’s No.13 Masonic Lodge, demonstrating a solid commitment to civic involvement and community service.

“I always enjoyed working with the Board of Commissioners,” said Brinson, adding that he admires the commissioners’ work ethic and how they always seem to find common ground to do what is best for Duplin County. “I like to think that I put a staff in place that left the county in a better place than where we found it, at least financially. I think we have some very strong department heads.”

One by one, the county commissioners thanked the former county manager.

Commissioner Justin Edwards shared a personal memory, “I remember roaming the halls of the courthouse when I was a little boy with my mom and never did I dream that I would have to work with you one day, I was gonna stay at home and farm. I found myself in Kenansville working with you. Thank you for welcoming me onto this board with open arms.”

“Davis and I go way back. I can say I’ve always appreciated the fact that you were genuine, I don’t think I’ve ever seen you upset, which means that you’re a God-fearing man. You walk by faith and not by sight, and that will carry you a long way as you’ve already accomplished a lot,” said Commissioner Wayne Branch.

Chairman Dexter Edwards thanked Brinson adding that his comment about the board working well together was really meaningful, acknowledging that while they are lucky to have a great board, his leadership and efforts made it easy for them to be a united board.

“You’ve done your job to make sure you communicated with each one as they needed to be communicated with, and we didn’t have to come here and have controversy because leadership is where it all starts. We’re elected officials and we come here to try to help advise, but we don’t run the county,” said Edwards. “I really thank you for what you’ve done for this county.”

Brinson shared that since retiring, he has been able to spend a lot of time with his family and travel.
“During the past few months, I have been able to spend a lot of time helping my wife by managing her re-election campaign as Franklin County’s Register of Deeds,” Brinson told Duplin Journal.

Maddie Elizabeth Batts, who served Duplin County for 30 years, was also honored during the meeting and was presented with the Order of the Long Leaf Pine award. Batts is known for her advocacy role at the senior center and dedication to serving others.

Neal Mobley, who has worked in Emergency Services for over 30 years, including four years with Duplin County, was honored with the Order of the Longleaf Pine and a retirement plaque. Mobley was recognized for his mentorship and commitment to the citizens of Duplin County.

Patricia Williams was presented with the Old North State Award for her exceptional dedication and service to North Carolina. Williams retired last December after serving for more than 30 years, 25 of those years she worked in Duplin County. Williams served with the Board of Elections, Veteran Services and the town of Rose Hill.

The next county commissioners meeting will be on Monday, Oct. 21.