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CLEMMONS — The North Carolina Auctioneer Licensing Board was created by the N.C. General Assembly in 1973 and has been in existence for 50 years.

During its October board of directors meeting, the NCALB honored nine auctioneers and one auction firm that were issued licenses in 1973 and remain current and actively licensed in 2023. Among them was a man from Clemmons — Bobby Cheek.

Cheek started his auctioneering career in 1964, focused largely on estate auctions in Forsyth County and surrounding areas. Cheek recently turned 96. NCALB member T. Kyle Swicegood of Mocksville visited with Cheek at his home in Clemmons on Oct. 30 to personally thank and congratulate him and to present Cheek with a commemorative plaque. Swicegood told Cheek, “The integrity in which you have demonstrated for 50 years is a lasting testament to your character. Auctioneers like me stand on your shoulders.”

Other honorees included: Sen. Thomas M. McInnis, Pinehurst, auctioneer license No. 25; James R. (Ronny) Causby, Morganton, auctioneer license No. 37; Kevin D. McDaniel, Salisbury, auctioneer license No. 48; Richard M. Stafford, Charlotte, auctioneer license No. 67; East Carolina Auction Company, Kinston, auction firm license No. 68; William L. York, Harmony, auctioneer license No. 74; Jackie Ball, Marshall, auctioneer license No. 139; Timothy E. Carpenter, Claremont, auctioneer license No. 157; and Bobby S. Melton, Shelby, auctioneer license No. 166.

During the board meeting earlier in the month, NCALB Chairman Daniel H. DeVane noted that auctioneers serve as fiduciaries.

“They are entrusted with people’s property and the proceeds from the sale of that property,” DeVane said. “The licensing system provides an important layer of protection for consumers.”

DeVane added, “This board is proud to celebrate this fine group of honorees, and we sincerely thank each one for their long-standing service in the auction industry.”