In 1944 the Charlotte News established its Man of the Year Award as a tribute to the person who had made notable contributions to the community in the year under consideration. Announcement of each annual award is made in the Charlotte News during the final week of December, usually the 31st, with details concerning the recipient and his contributions to the welfare of the community. The following men have been awarded this distinction:
 
1944
Coleman Roberts
1945
Cecil W. (Pat) Gilchrist
1946
J. B. Marshall
1947
George M. Ivey, Sr.
1948
Col. J. Norman Pease
1949
Henry C. Dockery
1950
David Ovens
1951
John F. Watlington, Jr.
1952
H. H. Everett
1953
James P. McMillan
1954
John C. Erwin
1955
J. Spencer Bell
1956
John L. Stickley
1957
Carl G. McCraw
1958
Oliver Rowe
1959
Zeb C. Strawn
1960
James J. Harris