The recipients of the lifetime achievement award were Atchison Transportation Services Owner and President Charles E. Atchison, Sr. and J.W. Woodward Funeral Home President Kay Elizabeth Woodward.

Atchison, a native of Spartanburg, founded the business in April 1949 operating with just one taxi cab. He said gas at the time was only 18 cents per gallon. Since then, the business has grown to include a fleet of vehicles and employ more than 70 workers

Atchison said he believed it was important to stay involved in the community and was thankful to be part of the city he calls home.

“I feel really excited about getting this award,” Atchison said. “I have spent a lot of time making things work in Spartanburg.”

Read the entire article Black Excellence Community Gala recognizes Woodward, Atchison at GoUpstate.com by Chris Lavender.