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A surprised Stan White received North Carolina’s Order of the Long Leaf Pine on February 7, 2022 at the Dare County Board of Commissioners meeting.

Board Chairman Robert L. Woodard made the presentation.

White started his working career as a public school teacher.

In 1972, he and his spouse Susie started Stan White Realty and Construction in their home. In 1985, the business expanded to its first office and continued expansion to a headquarters in Nags Head. In 1992, the firm expanded northward to Duck and in 2001 opened an office in Corolla, according to a history of the business.

White served as a Dare County commissioner for eight years and Board of Commissioners chairman for three of those years. He provided leadership to build new schools and renovate others.

White served in the North Carolina Senate from Jan. 26, 2011 to Jan. 1, 2013, representing Senate District 1 after Marc Basnight resigned.

Over his four decades of public service, White has served on the state’s Board of Transportation and Licensing Board for General Contractors. Locally, he has served on the boards of Dare County Tourism, Social Services, Outer Banks Chamber of Commerce, Outer Banks Association of Realtors, The Outer Banks Hospital and North Banks Rotary Club.

White graduated from Manteo High School and East Carolina University. He and his wife live in Nags Head.

Since 1963, North Carolina’s governors have awarded the Order of the Long Leaf Pine to persons making significant contributions to the state and communities. The award salutes exemplary service and exceptional accomplishments, states the Order of the Long Leaf Pine Society.

White was nominated by Bob Muller from Nags Head, Geneva Perry from Kitty Hawk, R.V. Owens from Manteo and Woodard on behalf of Dare County.

Attending the ceremony were Ray White (Stan’s brother who pulled off the surprise), Muller, former director of Social Services Jay Burrus and current Dare County Board of Education Chairman Joe Tauber.

In brief remarks, White urged people to get involved in public service. For him, that service has been “the greatest honor and pleasure.”

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