Honoring a Lifetime of Service and Dedication
On February 18th , the Home Builders Association of the Greater Pee Dee met for their monthly meeting at The Florence Country Club .
Attorney Gary Finklea presented the prestigious award ,
Champion of Housing
Honoring a Lifetime of Service and Dedication
As we gather to celebrate the Champion of Housing Award , let us honor a man whose life has been defined by service , passion , and an enduring commitment to building a better future for all .
In the ever-evolving world of real estate and homebuilding , few individuals have made as significant an impact as the honoree of this year ’ s Champion of Housing Award . With nearly three decades in the building industry and 25 years as a building official , this remarkable individual has dedicated his life to supporting the homebuilding community and serving his fellow veterans .
Born and raised in a time of great change , our honoree ’ s journey began in the military , where he served as a communications specialist during the Vietnam War . His service was marked by bravery , as he frequently flew on helicopters , enduring the dangers of combat . Even after being wounded , he returned to duty , exemplifying resilience and commitment . His dedication to his fellow veterans continued long after his service , as he proudly serves in the Honor Guard , honoring the memory of those who fought alongside him .
After returning from Vietnam , he pursued a degree in business administration at Francis Marion University . His career in the real estate industry began when he collaborated with architects Simon Cook and Bruce Eaddy , drawing house plans by hand — a testament to the craftsmanship of an earlier era . As a licensed realtor , he played a crucial role in designing , selling , and financing homes for veterans in communities such as Glenwood Estates , Tara Village , Pine Forest , and Wilson Heights , helping many navigate the complexities of GI Bill and HUD housing .
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