Remarks for Secretary Lyndo Tippett
Sam Erby Jr. Highway Dedication Ceremony
Lenoir, NC
Wednesday, Oct. 12, 2005 at 10:30 a.m.
Good Morning.
Thank you, Arnold, for that fine introduction.
Though he has only been on the Board a few months now, Arnold is doing a great job representing the citizens of northwestern North Carolina.
He already has one essential job function down pat-introducing the correct speaker.
For those of you who may not know, today's honoree once introduced Gov. Easley as Gov. Hunt at a "small" ceremony we had in Mt. Airy.
That small ceremony was to dedicate a portion of U.S. 52 as the Andy Griffith Parkway.
Fortunately for Sam, there were only a couple thousand folks in attendance and just 27 local and national news crews.
True to his personality, Sam was able to have a good laugh over the situation.
And Arnold, I mean Sam, that's a good thing because I don't think we'll ever let you forget that moment.
Seriously though, it is indeed an honor to be here today to dedicate the Lenoir Southwest Bypass to Sam Erby Jr. who is not only a true transportation champion, but also a personal friend.
Sam, you not only represent this region, but you are an intrinsic part of it.
I don't think I've ever met anyone who's a bigger fan of their hometown.
During his days on the Board of Transportation, Sam shamelessly promoted this region through a monthly delivery of Ashe County cheese or Wilkes County ham.
This personal commitment also extended to his work through the Board of Transportation.
Looking back on all the projects that can be credited to Sam, it is hard to believe that he only served eight years on the Board.
In light of this outstanding dedication, it is appropriate that we are naming this bypass in his honor.
Like Sam, the Lenoir Southwest Loop improves quality of life for every citizen in this community.
It is also a prime example of Sam's ongoing work to improve mobility, encourage economic development and provide new opportunities for area residents.
But this is not the only instance in which Sam has opened the doors of prosperity to this region.
Another outstanding example of Sam's work to enhance North Carolina's High Country is the widening of more than 40 miles of U.S. 421 through Yadkin, Wilkes and Watauga counties.
It is not an overstatement to say that this project has revolutionized the daily lives of motorists throughout this area-greatly improving their safety and mobility and reducing travel time from Western North Carolina to other regions of the state.
In addition, Sam opened a 5.8-mile section of I-74 in Surry County, which connected two major highways-I-77 and U.S. 52, reducing congestion in Mt. Airy. This landmark project was also the first stretch of I-74 to open in our state.
But Sam's vision extended beyond large-scale projects. He was also just as passionate about smaller projects that would benefit the community.
This principle is illustrated in his work with Virginia authorities to improve utility connections for North Carolina residents living along the state line, demonstrating that his commitment extends beyond traditional transportation projects.
Another example is his effort to obtain funding to build a pedestrian bridge over the stream at the Wilson Creek visitors' center in Caldwell County. Though small, this bridge represents Sam's belief that transportation is not limited to our highways.
North Carolina's High County is one of the most beautiful and pristine areas of our state, and it is evident that Sam personally treasured this region's natural resources.
Sam took the lead in working with other state agencies and private organizations to preserve more than 5,600 acres of land known as the Mingo Tract in Caldwell and Wilkes counties.
He also supported the designation of U.S. 421 in Watauga County as the Doc Watson Scenic Byway, ensuring that the scenic vistas along this route would be protected for generations to come.
This highway had been previously designated as the Doc and Merle Watson highway, and it should come as no surprise that Sam was also involved in this dedication, as he always made it a priority to recognize his fellow citizens for their contributions to this great state.
In addition to honoring the Watsons and Andy Griffith, Sam also helped dedicate highways to other famous North Carolinians such as Junior Johnson and Eng and Chang Bunker.
Just like Sam's commitment to transportation projects of all sizes, his desire to seek due credit for others extended to those who served this community in everyday ways.
To this end, Sam was involved in dedicating highways in honor of Charles A. Suddreth, a local citizen whose daily work greatly improved quality of life in Lenoir; Dr. William Wood Sr., a local doctor; and Faye Broyhill, who provided this community with new economic development, not to mention a comfortable place to sleep. He also honored a fellow law enforcement officer, Sgt. Gregory Martin, who gave his life in the line of duty in Yadkin County.
Like these exceptional citizens, Sam worked day in and day out to care for others without seeking recognition in return.
That's why we are so pleased that we can finally honor him publicly by dedicating the Lenoir Southwest Loop as the Sam Erby Jr. Highway.
As most of you know, Sam's service to his fellow citizens began long before his appointment to the Board of Transportation in 1996.
A native of Richmond County, Sam joined the U.S. Marine Corps in 1964 and served two tours of duty in Vietnam. After returning from war, Sam continued to serve others in the N.C. Highway Patrol.
As a highway patrolman, I understand Sam was quite skilled in a maneuver called "spinning 180," which I'm sure you all have seen in many action movies.
In fact he was so good at this maneuver, that he was asked to teach it to a class of new recruits in Chapel Hill.
Early on the morning of the class, he decided to practice "spinning 180" on a deserted Orange County road.
Not taking into account the early morning dew, Sam lost control of the car and ended up in a field next to the roadway.
A passing motorist gave an embarrassed Sam a ride into town and encouraged Sam to call him if he needed anything further.
Telling the gentleman that he was grateful no reporters were around to witness the incident, Sam went on his way.
Later, glancing at the motorist's business card, he saw that the friendly driver was none other than the editor of the Daily Tar Heel.
To our knowledge, the kind editor never printed the story, although Sam scoured the paper for days to make sure it hadn't run.
After serving with the Highway Patrol, Sam became an officer with the Department of Revenue and later joined the State Bureau of Investigation.
In 1986, Sam was named the first-ever Deputy Commissioner of Insurance, a position he held until his appointment by Gov. Hunt to the Board of Transportation in 1996. In this role, he was responsible for establishing the first department offices in Western North Carolina, greatly enriching quality of life by providing a basic service to citizens.
Though Sam has officially stepped out of public life, he continues to dedicate just as much of his time, if not more, to helping others in this community.
He continues to serve on the Western North Carolina Recovery Task Force, formed by Gov. Easley to help with recovery efforts following the hurricanes that struck the North Carolina mountains in the Fall of 2004.
He is also a long-time member of First United Methodist Church of Granite Falls and has been involved with the Optimist Club, the Lion's Club and Masonic Lodge.
In every aspect of his life, Sam has been a shining example of the great things that can come from putting others before yourself and investing time in enhancing the lives of those around you.
Sam, your humble leadership is an inspiration to us all.
Gov. Easley wanted to be here today to honor you for all your outstanding contributions to this community, this region and this state, but unfortunately he was unable to join us.
However, he has sent a letter, and he asked that I read it to all of you today.
I know you don't like all this attention, but just bear with us a few more minutes.
I, too, would like to personally thank you for all you have done for state of North Carolina.
The number of people here today is a true testament to how much you have contributed to those around you.
We certainly have many more stories and memories that we could share, but I think we've embarrassed you enough. Plus, there's plenty of time at the luncheon to uncover more dirt.
For those of you who don't know, be sure to ask him about the "monster-sized" fish he caught with Roger and Nina-I think there was a picture of it on the front of your invitation to today's event.
And hopefully Sam will realize what time zone he's in today, and we won't have to hold the luncheon again tomorrow because he missed it, right Carl?
In all seriousness, Sam, thank you so much for all you have done to enrich all our lives. Your fun-loving personality, your hard work and your dedication to others will not be forgotten.
With that, would you please come forward?
It is my great honor to present you with this replica highway sign and a copy of the resolution naming the Lenoir Southwest Bypass from U.S. 321 to N.C. 18/U.S. 64 as the Sam Erby Jr. Highway.
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