By Taylor Boyd
The Henry County Board of Supervisors presented the 2025 Jack Dalton Community Service Award to Charles Williams at its February 24 meeting.
The annual award honors a Henry County resident whose volunteerism and civic involvement reflect the spirit of longtime public servant Jack Dalton.
Williams is a U.S. Army veteran who served from 1969 to 1972, including service in Vietnam, and has remained deeply involved in supporting fellow veterans as a Life Member of VFW Post 1115 and a member of American Legion Post 42. For decades, he has also supported local emergency services, including the Horsepasture Volunteer Fire Department, Horsepasture Volunteer Rescue Squad, Fieldale Volunteer Fire Department, and the Fieldale Heritage Group. He previously served as a driver for the Horsepasture Rescue Squad and currently serves on its board, in addition to past leadership on the Henry County Emergency Services Advisory Committee.
A member of the Horsepasture Ruritan Club for more than 30 years, Williams served four years as president and helped grow the organization’s membership from just over 30 to more than 100 members. He has also volunteered for more than 25 years with the Coat Drive for Kids program and served on the Citizens’ Advisory Board of Camp 28. Williams, who retired from Georgia-Pacific, continues to contribute to the local economy through his business, Williams Auction Co., LLC, and has attended nearly 700 meetings of the Henry County Board of Supervisors.
Board Chairman Jim Adams praised Williams’ longstanding commitment to the community.
“Charles Williams represents the very best of Henry County. For decades, he has quietly and consistently stepped up wherever there was a need, whether that be supporting our emergency services or strengthening our civic organizations. His lifetime of service has made a real and lasting difference in our community,” Adams said.
The Jack Dalton Community Service Award is presented annually to recognize individuals whose personal volunteer efforts and active involvement help promote the quality of life in Henry County. Dalton served on the Henry County Board of Supervisors for more than 24 years and was serving as chairman at the time of his death in 2000.
After receiving his award, Williams thanked those who nominated him for the award.
“I knew Jack Dalton and he was a fine gentleman. To even be associated with his name is quite an honor for me,” he said, adding that those attending the ceremony are often the first to volunteer their time, even if they don’t have it.
“You don’t have to ask them twice. If there’s something to be done, they do it. We just got a great community, and it’s all about the people in this community, so I’m just praying that we have more people step up, volunteer, and help out all they can,” he said, noting the local volunteer fire departments and rescue squads need all the help they can get.
Williams also said those who have supported him through the years should have received the award.
“They’re the ones who really drive me to help out. I do appreciate this, it’s quite an honor, and I thank each and every one of you,” he said.
In other matters, the board:
*Approved a resolution recognizing Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT) Resident Engineer Lisa Price-Hughes for her more than four decades of tenure and retirement.
*Was introduced to Robin Keeler, who will take over Price-Hughes’ position upon her retirement.
*Heard from David Craig about the littering issue in the county.
*Heard a presentation by All Vets President Patrick Rogers about the organization and its accomplishments over the last year.
*Heard an update on broadband installation from RiverStreet Networks Director of Business Development and Government Affairs, Rob Taylor.
*Approved using $500 from the District Impact Fund for a soccer camp to be held at the Smith River Sports Complex on April 7.
*Approved an additional appropriation of $141,630 from the Virginia Opioid Abatement Authority to fund the implementation of a Kinship Navigator Position in the Henry Martinsville Department of Social Services.
*Approved an additional appropriation of $211,000 received from the Economic Development Corporation and Nathan Trotter for the extension of water and sewer lines to Lot #4 of the Patriot Centre. The board also awarded a $354,500 contract to Steve Martin’s Trenching, with the remainder of the funds provided by the Industrial Development Authority.
*Conducted a joint work session with the Henry County School Board regarding its fiscal year 2026-2027 budget.
*Conducted a public hearing and approved the rezoning of approximately 10.36 acres of the Ridgeway District from Suburban Residential District (S-R) to Agricultural District (A-1). The applicant wishes to use the property as a hobby farm and additional storage.
*Conducted a public hearing and approved the rezoning of approximately 117.9 acres of the Ridgeway District from Agricultural District (A-1) to Industrial District (I-1).
*Approved the items of consent.
*Heard the monthly report on delinquent tax collection efforts.
*Heard an update on general highway matters.
