RESOLUTION OF N.C. Board of Transportation

WHEREAS, Elton R. Peele served as Director of the Driver License Section for the North Carolina Department of Motor Vehicles from 1946 to 1965; and

WHEREAS, Elton R. Peele was the first person to serve as director of the newly-created Driver License Section upon creation of the Section in 1947 by the General Assembly; and

WHEREAS, Elton R. Peele, through his leadership and vision, established within the Driver License Section a commitment to customer service, professionalism and highway safety; and

WHEREAS, Under his leadership, the Driver License Section achieved national recognition for its policies promoting highway safety, including numerous awards from the National Highway Safety Council; and

WHEREAS, Elton R. Peele received national recognition from the American Optometry Association for instituting vision tests for drivers in order to improve highway safety; and

WHEREAS, throughout his career, Elton R. Peele earned the respect and esteem of his staff and the citizens of North Carolina;

WHEREAS, Elton R. Peele concluded his career in State Government by providing outstanding service in a management capacity in the Department of Corrections; and

WHEREAS, Elton R. Peele served his country with distinction in World War II as an officer in the U.S. Army; and

WHEREAS, Elton R. Peele passed away on Monday, April 19, 1999, at the age of 87 after leading a full and productive life; and

WHEREAS, Elton R. Peele held Driver License #1, and Elton R. Peele will always remain #1 in the hearts of those who knew him and served with him;

THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, that the North Carolina Board of Transportation expresses its deepest condolences to the family of Elton R. Peele for their loss and commemorates his many achievements during a lifetime of service to the State of North Carolina that should serve as an example for all of selfless leadership exercised in the best interest of the citizenry.

THEREFORE BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that a copy of this resolution be delivered to his widow, Mrs. Hazel Privette Peele, to his daughters Mary Katherine (Mrs. Thomas J. Bolch) and Louise (Mrs. Robert C. Jordan); to his stepdaughter Sheila (Mrs. Clyde Stevens Jr.) and to his grandchildren in appreciation for his contributions.

Signed: E. Norris Tolson, Secretary of Transportation

April 23, 1999