Charles Fred Lovette

Year Inducted: 2015

Charles Fred Lovette was born on January 1, 1925, in Wilkes County. Lovette graduated from Millers Creek High School in 1942 and would soon join his parents in business. Mr. Lovette joined his father, Charles O. Lovette’s business, and two years later he expanded the poultry buying and selling enterprise. His parents set good examples for Mr. Lovette and his brothers and sisters. Their parents displayed a devotion to God, to family, to friends and neighbors, hard work and honest interaction with their fellow man. Following many years committed to the citizens of Wilkes County, Mr. Lovette, at age 63, passed away on March 16, 1988.

Fred Lovette entered the family business just as demand for eggs and chickens soared during World War II, as the federal government bought large quantities to serve in military mess halls. By 1943, North Carolina farmers had shattered all previous poultry records; growers, for example, sold 15.5 million chickens and grossed $15.7 million. Wartime demand accelerated the evolution of the industry and floated North Carolina and other Southern states to the top of poultry production charts. Mr. Lovette saw an opportunity to bring economic prosperity to himself and Wilkes County citizens.

Mr. Lovette was one of the founders of Lovette Poultry Co., Inc., started in 1944. In 1953, he and his wife, Margaret, started the company that grew to be one of the world’s largest poultry producers. He and 16 other business owners and leaders integrated and formed Holly Farms Poultry Ind., Inc. which became one of Wilkes County’s most prominent employers, employing approximately 10,000 employees, Holly Farms merged with The Federal Company of Memphis, Tennessee in 1968. Mr. Lovette was Chairman of the Board and Chief Executive Officer of Holly Farms Poultry, Ind., Inc. until 1981. He served as Executive Vice President and Director of the Holly Farms Corporation based in Memphis, Tennessee.

As a highly respected innovator and businessman, Mr. Lovette was involved with many board and trustee memberships. These include: Davis Hospital and Davis Hospital Foundation, Inc., Wingate College, First Union National Bank and was appointed by Governor Jim Hunt to the North Carolina Seafood Authority. He was named to the North Carolina Poultry Hall of Fame and the Wilkes County Agriculture Hall of Fame.

Mr. Lovette’s legacy to Wilkes County is evident as CHARLES FRED LOVETTE HALL on the grounds of Wilkes Community College has seen many young people walk the corridors on their way to higher education. He donated 75 acres to Wilkes Community College and was influential in getting a grant from the Appalachian Regional Commission.