Key to the City: Bob Sink Honored for a Lifetime of Service to Lexington
{Bob Sink holds the key to the City of Lexington, which he recently received, while standing in front of the 1931 Nash classic car he rebuilt. Sink was presented the key in recognition of his years of service and contributions to the community. Photo Credit: Sharon Myers/Davidson Local}
At 94, Lexington native Bob Sink has the energy of a man more than half his age and has contributed more to the community and the State of North Carolina than dozens of people.
As a youngster, Sink helped in his father’s restaurant on Main Street. After graduating from Lexington Senior High School, he spent a few years working in a furniture store, before getting drafted into the Army during the Korean War. He spent two years at a base in New Jersey, where he spent his time teaching radio technology. It was also during this time, he married his high school sweetheart, Louise, before returning to his hometown.
He started his career with the City of Lexington in 1964 as an assistant superintendent, and eventually the superintendent of the natural gas department. During his tenure, he was a co-founder of the North Carolina ULOCO, which is now the 811 Call Before You Dig hotline. He also helped the city prepare for its first, and several more, Barbecue Festivals.
Although he officially retired in 1991, he continues to this day to work with the city as a consultant on buying rights-of-way, installing gas lines, and as the general expert on anything involving natural gas.
But this isn’t even the tip of the iceberg of the contributions Sink has made to the community.
He has been a member of the Lexington Kiwanis Club since 1983, but his involvement with the organization goes back to high school where he was a charter member of the Key Club. He helped park cars at the very first Davidson County Agricultural Fair in 1946 and was an assistant fair manager for several years.
Sink has built and remodeled many of the cabins and facilities at the Kiwanis Kiddie Kamp, including installing ramps in just the past few weeks.
He was one of the original volunteers for Habitat for Humanity of Lexington and has helped build dozens of houses for people in the community, as well as served on its board.
“I get stopped all the time, and people tell me ‘You built my house’,” said Sink.
He was a founding member of Davidson Medical Ministries, served on the Lexington Hospital Foundation Board, and many other local organizations.
As a long-time member of First Lutheran Church in Lexington, he has served in a variety of roles, from teaching Sunday School to volunteering for the church's disaster relief ministries and community outreach programs. He has worked multiple mission trips to assist communities affected by natural disasters, including recently spearheading a project to donate an emergency response trailer, filled with heaters, generators, tools and other equipment for Hurricane Helene.
“I just try to stay involved,” said Sink. “To me whether it is doing disaster relief, building ramps, habitat houses, I feel it is assisting to turn despair into hope.”
He also continues to volunteer with Grace Episcopal Church feeding program, even serving on their board. He has driven students to attend the church’s Discovery Arts and Music Summer Camp.
During his limited spare time, Sink continues to work at Davidson Funeral Home and in the past few years has rebuilt a 1931 Nash 870 classic car. And when he didn’t have a place to store it, he built a shed to keep it in.
Over the years, Sink has received the Lutheran Brotherhood Lifetime Achievement award, the NC Governor’s Volunteer Service award and the Lexington Area Chamber Distinguished Citizen of the Year, among other awards.
On June 23, he received the top honor from the City of Lexington, the key to the city during a surprise ceremony during the city council meeting.
“We honor your exemplary dedication and impactful contributions to the city of Lexington. Through tireless service, community leadership, economic growth and cultural enrichment, your efforts have inspired and strengthened this city. This key signifies our admiration, our trust, and the enduring bond of friendship with our community,” said Lexington Mayor Jason Hayes.
Sink said he was shocked, but extremely honored because he had been told he had to attend the city council meeting to discuss a natural gas line project he was assisting on.
“When the mayor asked, ‘Is there a Bob Sink in the audience?’, I was thinking he knows I’m here because I just spoke to him. But then when he said it was for the key to the city, I was so surprised.” said Sink.
He says he has been blessed with a loving family, good friends, great colleagues and the ability to contribute his time and skills to help the community that he loves.
“It has been a great honor,” said Sink. “I have always supported and worked for the city and the community the best I can. I just try to keep busy,” said Sink.
