WALLACE — As society becomes increasingly reliant upon the internet and the devices that connect to it, technology can seem inescapable. For most young Americans, it’s all they’ve ever known — born into an age of iPhones, smartwatches, Wi-Fi refrigerators and AI-generated content, many may never attempt to separate real life from the world behind their screens. The North Carolina Youth Outdoors Engagement Commission (NCYOEC) seeks to change that.
Since its creation in 2015 through legislation sponsored by Rep. Jimmy Dixon (R-Duplin), the commission has worked to create opportunities for the state’s youth to put down their phones and experience life outside of their feeds and For You pages by helping them explore the great outdoors through hunting, fishing, archery, kayaking, horseback riding and more.
On May 6, the North Carolina Outdoors Foundation (NCOF), a nonprofit organization that supports the mission of the NCYOEC and youth outdoor learning efforts across the state, held its second annual North Carolina Youth Outdoors Invitational at River Landing. The event welcomed three new inductees into the North Carolina Outdoors Hall of Fame: Derick Close, Julian “Bubba” Rawl and Robert C. “Bob” Johnson. Additionally, the foundation recognized Representatives Kyle Hall (R-King) and Donny Lambeth (R-Winston-Salem), along with Senators Todd Johnson (R-Union) and Michael Lazzara (R-Onslow), as Legislators of the Year for their dedication to the cause.
Wendell “Dell” Murphy Jr., chairman of the NYOEC, welcomed guests to the award ceremony at River Landing’s Grand Ballroom following a cocktail hour that allowed legislators, dignitaries, sponsors and honorees an opportunity to mingle while commission staff sold raffle tickets to raise funds for its mission.
“This foundation is special because its sole focus is to monetarily support youth outdoor education and recreational activities through the North Carolina Youth Outdoor Engagement Commission,” said Murphy.
“Anybody that knows me knows that one of my mottos when it comes to the youth is: The children are the future. I have a very heartfelt, strong belief that they deserve all the attention that we can possibly give them.”
Murphy thanked the legislators who have stood by the commission and board members for the NCOF and the NCYOEC, as well as the sponsors and donors who made the event possible.
“Every single penny’s important, but those major sponsors put us over the top,” Murphy said. “We greatly appreciate every single one of them.”
After a presentation detailing the commission’s programs and accomplishments, NCOF President Justin Burr, also the executive director of NCYOEC, expressed his gratitude for the support the commission has received since its establishment.
“We’ve impacted over 300,000 youth across this state, and the number’s really a lot higher than that,” Burr said. “We’ve awarded over 1,700 grants and almost $10 million. There’s only one reason that that has happened — only one — and that is the support of the General Assembly. Without their support, this program would be nonexistent — we would have impacted zero kids.”
Burr thanked all members of the North Carolina General Assembly in attendance for their assistance as the commission works to get kids outdoors before calling upon the Legislators of the Year to receive their awards.
“Just your presence here tonight tells everyone that you truly believe in our youth and the importance of getting them outside,” said Sen. Johnson as the legislative honorees each spoke; Lambeth was unable to attend.
NCYOEC Vice Chairman James “Jim” Harrell III introduced this year’s Hall of Fame inductees and recognized last year’s honorees present for the event. He advised those in attendance that Close, unable to attend due to the death of his mother-in-law, will be honored at next year’s invitational before Murphy introduced the night’s first Hall of Fame honoree, detailing Johnson’s altruistic achievements and his love for the outdoors.
“The mission statement at House of Raeford is ‘to do the right thing in all things we do.’ Bob, you are doing the right thing, and I’m so proud to call you up and to honor you in this way,” Murphy said.
Johnson expressed his appreciation for being selected for the honor and thanked his wife of 46 years, Luanne, for her steadfast support.
“To receive this award is amazing, but to receive it from a best friend is truly amazing,” Johnson said. “It’s really an honor. Thank you so much.”
NCYOEC commissioner Harry Shawl next introduced Rawl.
“Over his career, Bubba has been a champion of youth development and outdoor education, which is true to what we’re doing here,” Shawl said. “He truly believes in giving back and shaping the next generation.”
Rawl said the outdoors can enrich all, especially young people, in ways modern technology can’t.
“I think the ability to enjoy God’s creation is what we’re all here for,” said Rawl. “Nintendo, I don’t think, is where we were intended to be. I’m delighted to be honored here tonight.”
Attendees had an opportunity to further contribute to the foundation through a live auction that featured donated lots ranging from turkey hunts and fly-fishing trips to beach vacation stays and pearl chain necklaces following the Hall of Fame induction ceremony.
Robert C. “Bob” Johnson
Bob Johnson’s family has been in the poultry business for more than a century. Son of House of Raeford Farms founder Marvin Johson of Rose Hill, he currently serves as president and CEO of the company. Under his leadership, House of Raeford has consistently ranked in the top 10 in chicken production nationally.
Johnson worked in processing plants and on farms before becoming CEO of House of Raeford in 1997. He oversaw a period of expansion that included the acquisition of chicken processing plants, feed mills and grow-out operations in North Carolina, South Carolina, Georgia and Louisiana. In 2013, House of Raeford exited the turkey business to focus on the company’s core competency — vertically integrated chicken production.
Outside of the company, Johnson strongly believes in giving back to the communities where House of Raeford has operations through monetary and product donations as well as personal involvement. In 2009, Johnson spearheaded the founding of FLOCK (Faithful Love Offering for Christ’s Kingdom), a nonprofit charitable organization focused on feeding the hungry, supporting mental health and addiction recovery programs, and especially on youth development. FLOCK has supported UNC Wilmington athletics and the North Carolina Coaching Association, as well as many local schools, athletics departments and private parks.
Johnson is a Harrells Christian Academy graduate who attended Louisburg College and is a member of the board of trustees for the University of Mount Olive. He is a member of the First Baptist Church of Rose Hill. Johnson and his wife, Luanne, have three children actively involved in House of Raeford. In his spare time, Johnson enjoys watching his grandchildren play sports and attending USA Archery competitions with his grandson, Robert.
“What the NC Youth Outdoors have done to encourage young people to get outside and get off the couch is really good work.”
Julian W. “Bubba” Rawl
Julian “Bubba” Rawl was born and raised in Greenville. His family and life have been closely intertwined with East Carolina, where he briefly attended before pursuing his business endeavors. Rawl has been a successful businessman for decades, from his imprinted T-shirt business and the formation of the Preston Development Group with Tim Smith in the 90s to the current development of Chatham Park.
Rawl has been a champion of youth development and outdoor education for more than 35 years and worked to create opportunities for the state’s youth to engage with the outdoors through activities such as fishing, camping and environmental education to build leadership and promote a love for the outdoors. His commitment to organizations like the NC Youth Outdoor Commission reflects his passion for helping young people connect with nature and develop life skills.
Deeply involved in the Boy Scouts, Rawl has attained the rank of Eagle Scout and received the Silver Beaver award. He is a longtime board member of the East Carolina Council Boy Scouts of America and has been recognized by both the East Carolina and Occoneechee Councils as the Boy Scout Citizen of the Year. His leadership extends to numerous community boards, including the North Carolina Zoological Society, the Cary Academy Board and the Triangle Habitat for Humanity Advisory Board. Rawl served on the SBA Board of Advisors during President Ronald Reagan’s second term and presently serves on the TowneBank Board.
A charter member of the Oakmont Baptist Church, Rawl has served as both deacon and finance committee chair, and he has participated in 22 mission trips to Central America and Cuba. He and his wife, Barbara, have three children: Jordy, married to Melissa; Julia, married to Russel Stewart; and Allie, married to Sandy Thorpe. Rawl enjoys hunting, boating, skiing, and traveling with his family in his free time.
“I’m so proud of the folks that put this organization together, honored to be a part of it tonight,” Rawl said. “Having kids be introduced to the outdoors is probably one of the best initiatives the state can do, no matter what they do.”
