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The Forsyth County Board of Commissioners released the following statements on the passing of former County Manager Graham Pervier.

Chairman David Plyler: “Graham exemplified every facet of county government. Recognized as among the very best in his profession, Graham guided Forsyth County through many  growth opportunities. Graham had strong support from commissioners and the people of Forsyth. In addition to leadership in North Carolina county government, Graham is a past grand master of North Carolina Masons. Graham loved his job, loved his family, and loved Forsyth County. He will be missed.”

Vice Chairman Don Martin: “He was county manager for at least 10 of the years I was superintendent and we had a good relationship. We’d meet for breakfast every six weeks, or two months, at Cagney’s. He was always a good person, a great leader and a wonderful public servant. He certainly left his mark on Forsyth County and I enjoyed my working relationship with him even though I wasn’t a commissioner at the time.”

Commissioner Gloria Whisenhunt: “When I was elected to the board of commissioners, Graham took me under his wing and taught me so very much about county government. He was a true mentor. Graham always said that his most important role was to make sure that commissioners were successful. Graham touched so many projects in Forsyth County in his years as assistant manager and as manager, he will be remember for years to come. Along with his knowledge and wisdom of government, was his sense of humor. My thoughts and prayers go out to his family.”

Commissioner Richard Linville: “Graham was a really good county manager. He had an instinct and a knack for making the job look easy. I really liked him and got along with him. I hate to hear of his passing. I know he meant a lot to his family, and they are in my thoughts.”

Commissioner Fleming El-Amin: “Condolences and prayers of comfort and strength for the family during these tender moments. He was one of the pillars of county government and a visionary.”

Pervier served from 1987-2006 as county manager. During those 19 years, Forsyth County, and county government, went through tremendous growth and change. He helped get four school bonds passed by voters and, according to the Winston-Salem Journal, was frequently called one of the best county managers in North Carolina.

During his tenure, he oversaw the construction of the current Forsyth County Government Center, County Fire Department Headquarters Building, Law Enforcement Detention Center, Sheriff’s Administration Building, Social Services Building and the Emergency Medical Services Building, which was renamed in his honor in 2006.

Libraries and parks also expanded under his watch. The Walkertown and Carver School Road library branches were added and the current buildings for the Reynolda Manor and Lewisville Branch Libraries were built. Triad Park was added to the county parks system and the Peter S. Brunstetter Aquatic Center was built at Tanglewood Park.

Also during his tenure, the county formed the Infant Mortality Coalition, implemented Welfare Reform, and started its housing program. He presided over numerous economic development projects in the county and earned many National Association of Counties (NACo) Achievement Awards.

After his retirement, he moved to Rockingham County where he served as president of the Rockingham County Partnership for Economic and Tourism Development from 2006-2014. He also served as vice-chair of the Piedmont Triad Partnership’s Economic Developers Advisory Committee and president of the N.C. Retired Government Employees’ Association.