Dr. William Plummer named to NCPC Hall of Fame
By Kenneth Fine
Published in News on February 23, 2007 1:50 PM
GREENVILLE -- It came as no surprise to those in the audience -- well, except for Dr. William Plummer, himself.
In fact, when the longtime Goldsboro veterinarian heard the details of his career listed before the North Carolina Pork Conference's Hall of Fame Award winner was announced, he looked through the crowd of 200-plus to see if somebody else shared his life story.
And then his name was called.
"This was a great surprise," Plummer said. "I don't feel like I deserve it, but I appreciate it."
The 51st Annual Pork Conference and Trade Show culminated Thursday at the Greenville Convention Center with Plummer's award and a keynote speaker.
But for Goldsboro resident and council vice president George Pettus, watching the crowd stand and honor his friend was the highlight of the week -- a close second, perhaps, to presenting Plummer with the award.
"I can't stand here and tell you all this individual has done," Pettus said. "It would take all afternoon. He exemplifies long and outstanding service to the pork community."
"People who know him, and there's a lot of you here, know he's a gentleman," he added, choking up as Plummer made his way through the congratulations and to the stage.
His career has been a long and storied one, Pettus said -- working for years as a respected veterinarian and after his retirement as a valued member of the Goldsboro Milling team.
But his willingness to give advice and his ability to connect with much younger generations is what has made him such a valued member of the pork community.
Plummer didn't miss a beat when he took to the microphone -- he had one more piece of advice for the "future" of the industry.
"I came to Goldsboro with no money, and people helped me," he said. "They have been real kind to me. ... When you see somebody who needs help more than you do, help them."