South finds job in North Carolina

HILLSVILLE — Long-time Hillsville town manager Larry South has taken a job in a place he knows well from his youth.
North Wilkesboro, N.C., hired South to fill a town manager vacancy there last week, after his almost 19 years of service in Hillsville. He resigned from the post in June.
A native of Ashe County, N.C., South notes that he watched many a race and bowled in North Wilkesboro while growing up.
“The primary thing would be its location — I’ve been around there so much,” South said about what attracted him to the new town manager’s position. “It’s very close to where I grew up.”
A little larger than Hillsville population-wise, North Wilkesboro is governed by a mayor and five commissioners.
South finds that the town that launched Lowes Hardware and hosted many races has invested in its own future.
At the same time as promoting history and trying to bring in tourists, town officials have encouraged economic development with new shops being built on an old furniture factory site. The town also has an industrial park that’s ready to go.
South didn’t want to leave Hillsville, but notes that he has to work.
His wife and two daughters will finish out the school year here while South sets up a residence in North Wilkesboro.
His new home also has the advantage of being closer to his parents.
“I’ve gotten very attached to Hillsville,” he said. “I just appreciate everybody in Hillsville and I don’t plan to be a stranger. I’m thankful for all the kindnesses over the years.”
While he will soon have to devote his attention to his new position, South plans to write up a proposal to use funds leftover from the defunct Hillsville Rescue Squad to benefit other local charitable groups.
A panel made up of former rescue squad members will participate in the decision of how those funds are distributed.
South’s official start date as town manager in North Wilkesboro is Dec. 3.