Charles Branson “Branny” Vickory III was presented with the John B. McMillan Distinguished Service Award on November 14, 2024, at the 9th Judicial District Bar annual meeting in Goldsboro, NC. State Bar President Matthew W. Smith presented the award. Shelby Duffy Benton also participated in the presentation.
Mr. Vickory graduated from Southern Wayne Senior High School in 1974 and earned a bachelor’s degree in industrial relations and psychology from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill in 1978. He completed his Juris Doctor at Wake Forest University in 1981.
Mr. Vickory began his legal career practicing law with his father in Mount Olive. In 1984 he became an assistant district attorney for the Eighth Prosecutorial District, a role he held until 1998. That year, Governor James B. Hunt appointed him district attorney for the Eighth Prosecutorial District. He served with distinction in this role until 2014. Running unopposed in multiple elections, his tenure reflected his dedication to justice and the community. As district attorney, Mr. Vickory led an efficient office, hiring a diverse staff and mentoring lawyers who later assumed leadership roles in the community. He worked collaboratively with court officials, law enforcement, and the public to ensure that crimes were prosecuted fairly and swiftly.
After retiring as district attorney, Mr. Vickory joined Everett, Womble & Lawrence, LLP, as of counsel until 2023. He continued to serve the community as an arbitrator for the Court-Ordered Civil District Court Arbitration Program, frequently handling cases involving pro se litigants.
Mr. Vickory has been an active member of the North Carolina Bar Association, the North Carolina State Bar, and the Wayne County Bar Association. He served as the State Bar councilor for the Eighth District from 2015 to 2021 and as president of the North Carolina Conference of District Attorneys. He was also a member of the National District Attorneys Association and served as a commissioner for the North Carolina Innocence Inquiry Commission from 2007 to 2014. His involvement with the Juvenile Crime Prevention Council helped improve case efficiencies for victims, offenders, families, and attorneys alike. Equally inspiring is Mr. Vickory’s dedication to his colleagues. He fostered civility within the Bar and supported lawyers facing personal struggles such as addiction, depression, and anxiety. Called upon by resident superior court judges and the State Bar, he has assisted lawyers in need, showing compassion and leadership by helping individuals while also strengthening the broader legal community.
A committed civic leader, Mr. Vickory has been a member of the First United Methodist Church in Mount Olive since 1970. Over the years, he has served in numerous leadership roles, including chairman of the Pastor-Parish Committee, board of trustees, and church council. He has also been a Sunday school teacher. Beyond his church, Mr. Vickory’s dedication to his community includes active membership in the Mount Olive Rotary, the Mount Olive Masonic Lodge No. 208, and the Wayne County Democratic Party. He has also served as chair of the Wayne County United Way and the Carver Elementary Advisory Council, where he played a pivotal role in advocating for the construction of Carver Elementary School. He frequently emceed events to raise funds for educators, first responders, and community causes like United Way.
For his unwavering commitment to justice, mentorship, and community service, Charles Branson “Branny” Vickory III is truly deserving of the John B. McMillan Distinguished Service Award.
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