Johnston County Presents Inaugural Cypress Legacy Award to World War II Veteran Sherrill Stevens

U.S. Army veteran, pastor, and lifelong public servant honored as the inaugural recipient of Johnston County's highest recognition for lasting community impact.

 

 

 

 

Johnston County Commissioners on Monday presented the inaugural Cypress Legacy Award to Sherrill Stevens, a U.S. Army veteran, former Army Reserve chaplain, and longtime pastor.

 

Inspired by North Carolina’s Order of the Longleaf Pine, the Cypress Legacy Award recognizes men and women whose contributions extend far beyond a single achievement.

 

"It recognizes those who have devoted years of service to strengthening Johnston County through education, business, public service, agriculture, public safety, volunteerism, philanthropy, the arts, or other meaningful endeavors," said Patrick Harris, chairman of the Johnston County Board of Commissioners.

 

Stevens is a Johnston County native whose life has been defined by service to his country, his faith and his community.

 

Born near Benson and raised near Clayton, Stevens graduated from Wilson's Mills High School in 1943 before being drafted into the U.S. Army at age 18 during World War II. Although the war ended before he completed basic training, he served in Germany as part of the Allied occupation forces.

 

After returning home, Stevens continued his military service in the U.S. Army Reserve, building a distinguished 35-year career that culminated in his retirement as a colonel in 1981. During that time, he served as an infantry officer, battalion and brigade chaplain, faculty member at the U.S. Army Chaplain School, and assistant commandant responsible for mobilization and deployment.

 

In civilian life, Stevens served as pastor of Baptist churches in North Carolina, Kentucky and Virginia for more than 55 years. He holds degrees from Wake Forest College, Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary and Southern Baptist Theological Seminary.

Stevens also served as an adjunct professor at Southeastern Seminary and Campbell University and authored eight books, along with Sunday School literature and biblical interpretation resources.

 

Stevens and his late wife, Marguerite, shared 67 years of marriage before her passing. Together they raised three children and built a family that now includes 10 grandchildren, 20 great-grandchildren and one great-great-grandchild. Now 99 years old, Stevens thanked the commissioners for the recognition. "I am a proud Johnstonian," Stevens said. "I have lived a good deal of my life away from this county, but this is where my roots are. And it has been my privilege to be a part of this county's life in retirement now since 1987."

 

Stevens said he remains active in Army Reserve activities and other opportunities to serve the county. "I thank you very much for this award," he said.

 

Harris called the Cypress Legacy Award more than a recognition of distinguished service. “It is a tribute to those whose vision, dedication and leadership have left an enduring mark on Johnston County and its future,” he said.