Kinston native awarded Order of the Long Leaf Pine

John S. Willis, Regional Forester, Coastal Division, NC Forest Service, received The Governor’s Order of the Long Leaf Pine Award. Submitted photo.

John S. Willis, Regional Forester, Coastal Division, NC Forest Service, received The Governor’s Order of the Long Leaf Pine Award, recently, at his retirement dinner in Kinston, NC. Laura Hendrick, Assistant Regional Forester, NC Forest Service, presented the award to Willis.

North Carolina’s governors, since 1963, have reserved their highest honor, The Order of the Long Leaf Pine award, for persons who have made significant contributions to the state and their communities through their exemplary service and exceptional accomplishments. Other North Carolinians who have received this award include but not limited to Dale Earnhardt, Billy Graham, Andy Griffith, Jim “Catfish” Hunter, Michael Jordan, and The Blue Angels.  

Willis served with the NC Forest Service for 30 years. He received a Bachelor of Science Degree in Forestry in 1992 from North Carolina State University.  He attended Carteret Community College and is a 1986 graduate of West Carteret High School in Morehead City. He is married to Karyl Fahrenbruck Willis. They live in Kinston with their daughters, Kayci and Hannah. He is the son of Diana Willis of Emerald Isle and the late Johnny Willis. He is the son-in-law of Terry and Phyllis Fahrenbruck of Raeford.