W. Duke Kimbrell, Chairman of the Board, Parkdale Mills Inc., Gastonia, N.C., has received the Boy
Scouts of America’s (BSA’s) Distinguished Eagle Scout Award. The award acknowledges Eagle Scouts
who have achieved national-level eminence within their field and have maintained a strong record of
voluntary community service for at least 25 years.
BSA President and Exxon Mobil CEO Rex Tillerson, a past recipient of the award, presented
Kimbrell with a medal and plaque at an awards ceremony held at the Gaston Country Club in Gastonia.
Kimbrell began his career at Parkdale at the age of 14, when he was hired to do odd jobs for
company owner Bill Robinson. Following high school graduation and service in the Air Force during
WWII, he attended North Carolina State University’s School of Textiles and earned a textile
manufacturing degree. He then returned to Parkdale and was named CEO in 1961, and chairman in 1967.
The Piedmont Council Boy Scouts has established the Scout Camp Expansion Fund in honor of
Kimbrell. Parkdale Mills will match funds to help the Council reach its goal of raising $300,000.
July/August 2012
