PEMBROKE — Dick Taylor’s lucky number might as well be one because it seems to follow him around.

His jersey was No. 1 in 1949 when he was running track at the University of North Carolina, his insurance agency is located at 111 E. Third St. in Lumberton, and if you want to speak with him, just call (910) 739-1111.

Now Taylor, who is 80 years old plus 1, has received the No. 1 award for a citizen in the state of North Carolina — the Order of the Long Leaf Pine.

“I feel very highly honored, I never expected it,” Taylor said.

Taylor was presented the award on Nov. 3 by Senior Administrative Law Judge Fred Morrison and his wife Carolyn during a meeting of the Lumberton Rotary Club.

Morrison, who won the Order of the Long Leaf Pine in 1973, nominated Taylor, a longtime friend of his wife and the family.

“I think he is very worthy of recognition, I admire him,” Morrison said. “I think he has had an outstanding career.”

The Order of the Long Leaf Pine is awarded by the governor to a North Carolina resident who has completed 30 years of service to the state, according to Morrison.

“You’ve got to give back to any community that you are in,” Taylor said.

Taylor, who is originally from Quakertown, Pa., graduated from UNC at Chapel Hill with a degree in business. He was also a star athlete, breaking track records while competing for UNC.

He moved to Lumberton in 1952 and opened an insurance agency called Taylor Insurance and owned four car dealerships in the city.

Taylor has served on the Lumberton City Council, been elected president of the Lumberton Board of Realtors four times, and served as president of the Downtown Lumberton Association. He is currently serving as a trustee on the board at The University of North Carolina at Pembroke.

“I enjoy working with other people,” Taylor said. “I guess it’s a combination of what you need to do and what you enjoy doing, so it works out well.”

Taylor took his love for old buildings and started helping with the revitalization in downtown Lumberton. He has been buying property and has renovated several buildings on Second, Third, Fourth, Chestnut and Elm streets. He has restored about 20 buildings that he rents out. Taylor said his part in revitalizing Lumberton’s downtown was pointed out to the governor during the nomination process.

“I love North Carolina, I have been here for 65 years,” Taylor said. “Lumberton and Robeson County has been very good to me.”