Charles Currin named 2024 John Penn Citizen of the Year

at Chamber’s Annual Membership Meeting and Banquet

Reverend Joe Don Cooper proudly announced this year’s recipient: Charles Currin.

A lifelong resident of Granville County, Currin’s dedication to helping others has been a defining trait throughout his life. Whether solving electrical issues, lending his craftsmanship, or simply being the first to show up when someone is in need, Currin exemplifies what it means to be a servant leader. His volunteer efforts stretch far beyond the county—he played a key role in disaster relief efforts following Hurricane Matthew, spending nearly a year helping rebuild communities in Tarboro, NC. Locally, he is an integral part of the Oxford Lions Club, where his contributions have kept fundraising efforts thriving for over a decade. His work at Oxford Baptist Church, where he has served in multiple leadership roles, further demonstrates his unwavering commitment to service.

Described by friends and colleagues as “a man of action”, Currin never seeks recognition but always answers the call to serve. Whether constructing wheelchair ramps for those in need, organizing community fundraisers, or even sharing produce from his garden with neighbors, his generosity knows no bounds. His impact is felt not only in the projects he leads but in the countless lives he has touched with his kindness, humor, and willingness to give.

Past Recipients of the John Penn Award

Dr. Joseph Colson
Hubert L. Cox
Hubert Gooch
Edward F. Taylor
Mrs. Gladys Satterwhite
Mrs. Robinette Husketh
Rev. Harrison Simons
Rev. G. C. Hawley
John Mackie
Hugh Currin, Sr.
Dr. David Noel
Tom Speed
J. J. Medford
Dr. Roy Noblin
Tom Johnson
John K. Nelms
L Clement Yancey
Mrs. Mildred A. Jenkins
Leonard M. Dunn
Mrs. Virginia Tuck
Mrs. Nancy W. Darden
Dr. Jimmie Morris
Mrs. Carlene Fletcher
Leonard Peace, Sr.
Marshall Tanner
Harold Sherman
Boyce Harvey
Paul Kiesow
Johnsie C. Cunningham
Stan Fox
Doan and Bettie Laursen
Dr. John B. Hardy, Jr.
L. C. Adcock
Mrs. Robinette Husketh
Jim Crawford
Xavier Wortham
Rev. G. C. Hawley
Dr. and Mrs. Richard Taylor
Gary L. Bowman
James and Mary Ann Lumpkins
Laura Seifert Gable
Annette P. Myers
Mark Pace
Rosalyn Green
Crawford Knott
The Outstanding Citizen Award or Citizen of the Year award was presented in years past.  In 1996, the committee created a new name for the award to honor Granville County’s first and perhaps most outstanding citizen.  Since then, it has been presented as the JOHN PENN CITIZEN OF THE YEAR AWARD in honor of our Granville County citizen who was one of North Carolina’s signers of the Declaration of Independence.  On January 10, 1936, the very first state highway marker was erected.  That first marker was placed in the town of Stovall to commemorate the life of this political leader and signer of the Declaration of Independence – John Penn, a native of Granville County.
This prestigious award is indicative of VOLUNTEER SERVICE.