Page 110

20204RD

Historical Founders The original Charter Roster includes these additional names and occupations: Jack l. Brown, Auto Dealer Lucius E. Brady, Retail A.B. Clark, Lumber L. G. Clark, Retail James W. “Jimmy” Cooper, Mortician (owner of Cooper 108 Toombs County Magazine public and whose membership includes both men and women. When Larry and Debbie Griggers got ready to retire in 2014, they returned to Lyons. Joining the Lyons Lions Club was at the top of their list of priorities. “I grew up here,” said Larry, who served as President in the 80s, “and was part of the Lions Club before I moved away. Debbie grew up in nearby Dexter, near Dublin.” When asked what brought them back to Lyons, Larry said “Debbie’s father died in 2013, and my mother died two days later. We’d lived in Locust Grove for 25 years, but the people who wrapped their arms around us during our time of loss were the people from Lyons. The outpouring of support from both our families convinced us that when we retired, Lyons was home. This is where we wanted to be, and we have never regretted the decision to return. “Relationships are important to us,” said Larry. “It’s important that I know people like Hardy Thomas, and many of the other members. They remind you of your roots and what is great about this part of the country.” For the record, Hardy Thomas, is someone I consider a privilege to know. He has been a part of the Lyons Lions Club for 47 years, and served as “Tail Twister” for many of those years. The Tail Twister is responsible for keeping order, “in a fine way,” explained Larry, “by imposing token fines, usually $1, on members who are too loud, don’t wear their vest, or have their cell phone ring during a meeting. Lions members might get fined for having a birthday or not having a birthday. The fine goes into a fund earmarked for the Leader Dog Program, which provides trained leader dogs for the blind.” “It’s my job to make some money for our favorite charity while having a little fun with the members,” said Hardy with a smile. “Members of the Lyons Lions Club are very loyal to this civic organization,” said Larry. Other longtime members of the Club are John Adams (50 years), Johnny Griggers (35 years), Charles “Speck” Nobles (35 years), and Darriel Nobles (35 years). Not everyone understands the value of roots and relationships. When Hannah Elshoff, a German immigrant in her 70’s, came through on a solar assist bike last year promoting Lions Club Charities, she shared with the Lyons Lions Club that few places were as hospitable as Georgia. While here, the Griggers opened their home to Hannah and gained a lifelong friend. When Larry and Debbie began to research the history of the Lyons Lion’s Club for a 70th anniversary celebration, they found a treasure trove of history. Names of founding members were easily recognized as families who had helped build and establish businesses and community in Lyons. “Where there’s a need, there’s a Lion.” Lions Club International 2017 Centennial Logo Funeral Home) D. Q. Coleman, Druggist (later elected as Toombs County Clerk of Court) J. C. Davis, Garage J. Wilbur Gibbs, Petroleum Carrier (owner of Pure Water & Gas) Wade Hall, Fish & Seafood (owner of Hall’s Fish and Seafood Market, and later became Mayor of Lyons) Wells M. Elliott, Garage (owner) Roy C. Harrison, Meat Market (owner of SW Broad St. meat market) H. L. Jackson, Civil Engineer John Paul Jones, Retail Grocer (later a rural mail carrier) R. J. Kufner, Motel Gerald K. Karcil, GAFS (possibly Georgia Forestry Service) B. N. McCall, Jr., Retail Gasoline A. G. Meeks, Grocer Edgar Morrison, Sales (manager Thompson’s Farm Supply and an occasional farmer of chickens) J. R. Odom, Grocer (father of Associated Press reporter, Reva Odom) Stacey Odom, owner of Lyons Hardware Store (next to present day Elements Bistro and Grill) Hoke Odom, Retail Oil Leon O’Neal, Garage (later moved to Lake George, Florida, to manage a fish camp for Dr. Akins) Dupree Purcell, Blocks ���������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������� ��������������������������������������������


20204RD
To see the actual publication please follow the link above