Perry named BSA Distinguished Citizen
By Steve Herring
Published in News on October 30, 2015 1:46 PM
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David Perry and his wife, Bethany, pose with a portrait of him presented by the Tuscarora Council of the Boy Scouts of America.
David Miles Perry Sr. was named the recipient of the Boy Scout Tuscarora Council Distinguished Citizen Award on Thursday night at the Walnut Creek Country Club.
Perry, president of his family's business, Goldsboro Builders Supply, was recognized for his years of civic and community service.
Nearly 300 people were on hand to pay tribute to Perry.
Four of Perry's friends took turns at the podium to share their stories about him.
The speakers both roasted and praised Perry -- holding him up as a leader and at the same time is a humble and caring man and loving family man.
But when it came Perry's turn to speak, he thanked others for helping him in his business and community efforts.
Perry told the audience members it was an honor to stand before them.
"On the behalf of the Boy Scouts and my family, I thank you for the support," he said. "When I think of the previous honorees, I think of men I have the utmost respect for. Some of them have mentored me and some have been examples for me."
He thanked others for assisting him in the many endeavors he has been a part of.
Perry said that without the support of his company team that he would not have been able to take time out of the office to participate in community efforts.
"Most importantly if not for my family and especially my wife, Bethany, managing our home and keeping up with our children and their needs, I would not have had the freedom to work the long hours I do in the company or serve our community," he said.
Perry said that while he was being honored that the evening was not about him.
"It is about being part of the legacy since 1974 with our very first Distinguished Citizen," he said. "It is about giving our young people the opportunity to be the very best leaders that they can be.
"Scouting teaches them how to do that. Scouting teaches young people core values -- character, honor and many other attributes that will enable them to become good citizens, community leaders, strong husbands and fathers."
Many in the room are Scout supporters, he said. For those who are not, Perry encouraged them to become one.
"I leave you with Luke 12:48 which says, 'For whomever much is given, much is required.'"
Childhood friend Paul Bennett thanked the Tuscarora Council for all their community endeavors and for the opportunity to speak about Perry.
"I would also like to thank them for what scouting does for this community," said Bennett, president of the Tool and Gage House. "I know what a humble guy you are, and I know tonight is really not an easy night for you. I know you are uncomfortable.
"I want to publically thank you for what you mean to this community, what you have done in this community. You do a lot that people don't know about. We are here tonight to honor you as a leader in this community."
Bennett said when he was preparing his comments he was thinking what it means to be a leader, particularly one like Perry who has a significant leader who has an impact on his community.
"It (award) really is about the example of character in a great leader that you have provided for Scouts and the youth of this community," Bennett said.
Perry thinks of others first, he said.
Van Isley, CEO of Professional Builders Supply, said no finer person could have been selected for the honor.
Perry, he said, is the hardest-working man and the sharpest businessman he knows.
"He is the kind of businessman and leader many of us dream to be," he said.
Jim Steele, area chairman for C12 East Carolina, called Perry a "man of great character" as well as commitment.
Steele said he had spoken with some of Perry's employees who said they felt blessed to work for him.
John Peacock, of Peacock Insurance Group, said he had always been amazed by Perry's consistency of character.
"It doesn't matter what he is doing, he is the same in every setting," Peacock said. "Many years ago Robert Kennedy, speaking on the subject of great leadership, said, 'There are men who see things as they are and say why. There are other men who see things as they could be and say why not.'
"In my opinion, that perfectly suits the mindset of David Perry. Many of us here tonight are recipients of David's generosity either through an organization we are involved in or perhaps a personal standpoint."
There is probably not an organization in the county that has not been made richer by Perry's resources and leadership, Peacock said.