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The NC Outdoors Hall of Fame recognizes North Carolinians that have championed the cause of ensuring the future of quality fishing, hunting and outdoor recreation opportunities for youth across the state.
Inductees have records of exceptional service to the conservation of North Carolina's natural resources with significant and lasting contributions made to preserving, advancing and enriching outdoor recreational opportunities for youth. Efforts include:
N.C. Outdoors Hall of Fame inductees are honored at the NC Youth Outdoor Engagement Invitational, recognizing men and women from across the state that have been trailblazers in the support of engaging youth with outdoor recreation, and conservation and expansion of the state's natural resources.
Robert C. Johnson is the son of House of Raeford Farms’ founder Marvin Johnson and currently serves as President & CEO of the company. Under his leadership, House of Raeford has consistently been one of the 10 largest chicken producers nationally.
He also strongly believes in giving back to the communities where House of Raeford has operat
Robert C. Johnson is the son of House of Raeford Farms’ founder Marvin Johnson and currently serves as President & CEO of the company. Under his leadership, House of Raeford has consistently been one of the 10 largest chicken producers nationally.
He also strongly believes in giving back to the communities where House of Raeford has operations through monetary and product donations as well as personal involvement. As part of this outreach, Bob’s vision spearheaded the founding of FLOCK (Faithful Love Offering for Christ’s Kingdom) in 2009, a non-profit charitable organization focused on youth development, feeding the hungry, and support for mental health and addiction recovery programs. FLOCK has provided support to UNCW Athletics, NC Coaching Association as well as many local schools, athletic departments and private parks.
Bob graduated from Harrells Christian Academy, attended Louisburg College, serves on the Board of Trustees for the University of Mount Olive, and is a member of First Baptist Church, Rose Hill, NC. He is married to Luanne and they have three children, each of which is actively involved in the company. In his spare time, Bob enjoys watching his grandchildren play sports and especially enjoys attending USA Archery competitions with his grandson, Robert.
Julian W. “Bubba” Rawl was born and raised in Greenville, North Carolina. His family and life have been closely intertwined with East Carolina University where he briefly attended school before pursuing his business endeavors. From an imprinted t-shirt business in high school to the formation of Preston Development Company with Tim Smith
Julian W. “Bubba” Rawl was born and raised in Greenville, North Carolina. His family and life have been closely intertwined with East Carolina University where he briefly attended school before pursuing his business endeavors. From an imprinted t-shirt business in high school to the formation of Preston Development Company with Tim Smith in the 90s to the current development of Chatham Park, Bubba Rawl has been a successful businessman for decades.
In addition to his business success, Bubba has long been a champion of youth development and outdoor education. His commitment to organizations like the NC Youth Outdoor Engagement Commission (NCYOEC) reflects his passion for helping young people connect with nature and develop life skills. Bubba has worked to create opportunities for youth in North Carolina to engage in outdoor activities such as fishing, camping, and environmental education, which aim to build leadership and promote a love for the outdoors. For 35 years, Bubba has taken kids hunting during youth hunts every year.
Bubba is also deeply involved in Scouting, having earned the rank of Eagle Scout and receiving the Silver Beaver award. He is a longtime board member of the East Carolina Council Boy Scouts of America and has been recognized as the Boy Scout Citizen of the Year by both the East Carolina and Occoneechee Councils. His leadership extends to numerous community boards, including the NC Zoological Society, The Cary Academy Board, and the Triangle Habitat for Humanity Advisory Board. Additionally, Bubba served on the SBA Board of Advisors during Ronald Reagan’s second term, and he presently serves on the TowneBank Board.
A charter member of Oakmont Baptist Church, Bubba has served as both Deacon and Finance Committee Chair and participated in 22 mission trips to Central America and Cuba. Bubba is married to Barbara (Basnight) Rawl, with whom he has three children: Jordy (married to Melissa), Julia (married to Russell Stewart), and Allie (married to Sandy Thorpe). In his free time Bubba enjoys hunting, boating, skiing, and traveling with his family.
Bubba’s lifelong commitment to community, leadership, and youth development through organizations like NCYOEC is a testament to his passion for giving back and shaping the future of the next generation.
Bob Barnhill is Chairman of the Board of Barnhill Contracting Company (“Barnhill”), headquartered in Rocky Mount, NC and one of the Southeast’s leading contractors. Bob was named President of the company in 1987, then Chairman of the Board and Chief Executive Officer in 2000 until 2010 when his son, Rob, succeeded him. Bob has continued t
Bob Barnhill is Chairman of the Board of Barnhill Contracting Company (“Barnhill”), headquartered in Rocky Mount, NC and one of the Southeast’s leading contractors. Bob was named President of the company in 1987, then Chairman of the Board and Chief Executive Officer in 2000 until 2010 when his son, Rob, succeeded him. Bob has continued to provide a firm vision and legacy for the company.
Bob is honored to have been recognized with the following awards: North Carolina Industrial Development Association’s Volunteer of the Year (1988), Ernst & Young’s Entrepreneur of Year (1993) Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation’s Living and Giving Award (2015), Champion for Children Award by the Boys & Girls Club of Nash/Edgecombe Counties (2015), North Carolina Business Hall of Fame Inductee (2015), Triangle Business Journal CEO of the Year (2016), Boy Scouts of America Distinguished Citizen Award – Tar River District (2017), Order of the Long Leaf Pine Award (2018), Lee Greenwood Patriot Award of the Helping Hero Awards (2021).
He served on the Wildlife Resource Commission in the late 80’s and early 90’s and two of those years he served as their chairman. As an avid hunter, he sponsors an annual dove hunt on his farm in Edgecombe County for the past 40 years, encouraging invited guests to have their children attend alongside them. He also hosts an annual youth duck hunt for children of employees as well as community youth. At both hunts, local NC Wildlife officers are invited to present on safety and hunting regulations and the skeet range is opened for teaching and practice. Through Barnhill’s children and grandchildren, as well as children in the community, there are many youth hunting and fishing each year. It’s rewarding to teach the next generation what it means to enjoy, fully experience, appreciate and be safe in the world of the outdoors. Mr. Barnhill is proud to be a part of that.
Richard Childress has grown Richard Childress Racing from a one-man team in 1969 into of the most-respected organizations in NASCAR. The Welcome, N.C., team has nearly 400 employees supporting full-time operations in the NASCAR Cup and Xfinity Series plus other special projects outside motorsports.
Childress has more than 200 victories i
Richard Childress has grown Richard Childress Racing from a one-man team in 1969 into of the most-respected organizations in NASCAR. The Welcome, N.C., team has nearly 400 employees supporting full-time operations in the NASCAR Cup and Xfinity Series plus other special projects outside motorsports.
Childress has more than 200 victories in NASCAR’s three national series, 16 championships, three Daytona 500 wins and three victories in the Brickyard 400. Six of RCR’s Cup championships were earned with Childress’ best friend, Dale Earnhardt, over a dominating eight-year span (1986, 1987, 1990, 1991, 1993 and 1994).
Away from the track, Childress’ efforts as a conservationist were recognized by the Dallas Safari Club in 2023 when he was named recipient of the Peter Hathaway Capstick Hunting Heritage Award for the promotion of responsible hunting and wildlife conservation. Capstick stepped away from a successful Wall Street career to become a professional hunter and author.
Childress enjoys spending his free time outdoors and has been an avid hunter and fisherman since he was a child. Having traveled to many parts of the world, he became an activist for the conservation of our natural resources. He is Chairman of the Board of the Congressional Sportsmen Foundation. Childress also supports the Boone & Crocket Club as well as non-government organizations like Ducks Unlimited, the Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation and the National Wild Turkey Federation. He is the former second vice president of the National Rifle Association. In 2021, Childress became the recipient of the National Wild Turkey Federation’s Lynn Boykin Hunting Heritage Award for his example, effort and support in preserving our rich hunting heritage.
Eddie Smith is the Owner, Chairman and CEO of Grady-White Boats, the premiere builder of outboard powered sport fishing boats, located in Greenville, NC. He has held this position since 1968 when he purchased the company.
Some of his numerous industry and charitable affiliations include: past Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Nat
Eddie Smith is the Owner, Chairman and CEO of Grady-White Boats, the premiere builder of outboard powered sport fishing boats, located in Greenville, NC. He has held this position since 1968 when he purchased the company.
Some of his numerous industry and charitable affiliations include: past Chairman of the Board of Directors of the National Marine Manufacturers Association and is in the National Marine Manufacturers Association’s Hall of Fame; past board member of the Recreation Roundtable; past board member of the Sport Fishing and Boating Partnership Council; past board member of the Congressional Sportsmen’s Foundation. He is also a past member of the Board of Trustees of the International Game Fish Association; past board member of the Sport Fishing Institute; past president of the Shooters’ Council, Grand National Waterfowl Hunt. Mr. Smith is also a past area Chairman of Ducks Unlimited. He has been inducted into the NC Business Hall of Fame; was the first recipient of the American Sportfishing Association Lifetime Achievement Award; named the 1998 Ernst & Young Carolinas Master Entrepreneur of the Year; recipient of the NC Wildlife Resources Commission’s Lawrence G. Diedrick Small Game Award, the Billfish Foundation Rybovich Lifetime Conservation Award, and the NC Wildlife Federation Governor’s Sportsman of the Year award.
Mr. Smith is a lifelong hunter and angler and enjoys using his shooting pavilion at his farm to teach youth gun safety, shooting sports, and hunting opportunities. Through his Eddie and Jo Allison Smith Family Foundation he has made significant investments, especially in eastern North Carolina, in preserving and increasing public hunting opportunities, protecting the rights of hunters and anglers, and vast fishing conservation efforts.
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NC Outdoors Foundation is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, EIN 99-1802523. Donations are tax deductible.
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