MONROE -- Every Sunday for 17 years, “The Biscuit Man” makes his rounds — a nursing home, a hospice house, then maybe to those just “not doing well.”

Isom Franklin “I.F.” Plyler Jr. is Union County’s Man of the Year. Born and raised on a cotton farm in Union County, the former county commissioner established the local livestock auction facility, but divides his first passion among thousands of young and elderly locals.

Armed with fresh fruit and sugar-free candy, I.F. Plyler has driven more than 53,000 miles to Hospice of Union County,Autumn Care of Marshville, the Brian Center of Monroe, Monroe Rehabilitation and Nursing Center, Union Park, Monroe Square, the Jesse Helms Nursing Center (and its predecessor, the Smith Building) and Monroe Manor.

“That’s his project,” his wife, Inez Plyler, said.

When he first began his visits, he took sausage, eggs and biscuits to the patients. He has since switched to bonbons.

He has visited more than 150,000 patients — about 100 each week. Staff members call him by several nicknames, including “The Candy Man” and “Sunday Morning Angel.” Why does he do it? “To see them smile,” he said.

I.F. Plyler was chosen by former Man of the Year winners from a handful of nominees. “It was a total surprise,” he said.

“We were impressed with his generosity ... visiting those who were confined to nursing homes and hospice,” last year’s winner Bobby Griffin said.

“Taking ham biscuits every Sunday to the shut-ins, that’s huge,” said Charles Norwood, winner of the award in 1975. Calling I.F. Plyler “highly respected,” Norwood said he “didn’t want credit for his work,” making him an even more appealing candidate for the judges.

Winners of the Union County Man and Woman of the Year awards must do two things, Norwood added: enhance the quality of life in Union County for the current year and within his or her lifetime.

“He really deserves it,” his younger brother, former N.C. senator Aaron Plyler, said. “He’s done a lot of things people don’t know about because he didn’t go around bragging.”

I.F. Plyler spent more than three years in the Army stationed in Fort Hood, Texas. He also served in Fort Carson, Colo., in the Tank Destroyer Division.

When he came back home, Aaron Plyler said, “he bought a bulldozer in 1946 and we started a farm.”

The brothers’ father was born in 1857, Aaron Plyler said, and taught the boys a lot through his experiences growing up in the Civil War era. The boys grew up on a cotton farm, and I.F. Plyler later started his own cattle farm.

It was 1959 when I.F. Plyler and John Dickerson bought the Union County Livestock Market in Mineral Springs.

Although much of his time is spent with the elderly, I.F. Plyler doesn’t forget about the youth.

He has supported several youth organizations, including Boy Scouts of America and the 4-H Club. He is a charter member of N.C. State University Endowment Scholarships for students pursuing farming and agriculture careers.

I.F. Plyler and his wife have one daughter.

Lately, he hasn’t been able to visit much due to an illness. When he can’t make it, his brother, nephew or nephew’s son go in his place.

He said he misses going, but hopes to get back on schedule. “I’m still above ground and happy to be here,” he said.

Both I.F. Plyler and Union County Woman of the Year Emmy Lou Haywood will be honored with a banquet on Jan. 29.

BIO BOX

• President of the N.C. Cattleman’s Association for more than 20 years

• Inductee into the N.C. Agriculture Hall of Fame in 2000 and 2005

• Union County commissioner from 1962 to 1965, chairman for the last year

• Member of Benton Heights Presbyterian Church since 1950