Lions District 18-B
Hall of Fame
Sponsored by 18B PDG Association
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Lion Don Anderson, PDG, sponsored by Rincon Lions Club
Lion Dr. C. M. Blanton, PDG, sponsored by Waycross Okefenokee
Lions Club
Lion Blanton served as District Governor of District 18-B 1950-51. During his
service to the Waycross Okefenokee Lions Club, Lion Blanton was instrumental in
the organization and success of many club projects including a summer camp for
visually impaired children which was later to become the Georgia Lions Camp for
the Blind in 1976.
Lion R. C. Cunningham, PDG, sponsored by Patterson Lions Club
Lion Tom Williams, PDG, sponsored by Savannah Lions Club
Lion Dr. Walter Wilson, PDG, sponsored by Douglas Lions Club
Lion Dr. Walter Wilson, PDG, Past Deputy and District Governor, was first 100%
District Governor of 18-B, Zone Chairman, International Convention Attendee.
Instrumental in securing Fairgrounds Facility, expanded and professionally
supported local Lions Eyecare Program, conducted "Buck" Preston Annual Awards
program enthusiastically for many years, Lighthouse Director, Melvin Jones and
Tom Bingham Fellow, a lifetime of dedication to the work of serving Lionism.
2002 Inductees
Lion J. Stan Bazemore, PCC, sponsored by Lyons Lions Club
Lion W. A. "Bill" Gassaway, PDG, sponsored by Hinesville Lions Club
Lion W. A. “Bill” Gassaway, PDG, joined the Hinesville Lions
Club in July 1951 and he has had 50 years of perfect attendance. He is the
only member of this club to serve two terms as club president. He was the
first member of this club to earn the Golden Chain award. He has also been
honored as his club’s Lions of the Year on several occasions. He is a
Melvin Jones Fellow. He has served in every elected leadership position in
his club. He was president during the club’s 50th anniversary year and
under his leadership the club was the number two club in the District Governor’s
Points Contest that year.
Lion Bill is active in all club activities. He participates in all
projects and us usually the first to commit to working on a project. He
has chaired many fund raising activities. He always does his fair share
and frequently fills in for others who are not able to be present. He has
a long history of service to this district and to Multiple District 18. He
was both a Zone Chairman and a Region Chairman and was elected District Governor
in 1972. During that year he started seven new Lions clubs. Five of
those clubs, Wilmington Island, Liberty Coastal, Richmond Hill, Bellville and
Pembroke are still in existence today. He was an active participant in the
establishment of the Camp for the Blind. He accompanied Lion Don Anderson
on many of the visits where the coordination was accomplished for the donation
of the land for the Camp’s location. He was also active in the arrangement
for the initial funding for the Camp. Along with Lion Don Anderson, Lion
Bill played a pivotal role in the establishment of the Camp.
Lion A. Lester Henderson, PDG, sponsored by Savannah Lions Club
Lion Forcial Hilton, PDG, sponsored by Baxley Lions Club
Lion Phil Hurd, PDG, sponsored by Savannah Lions Club
Lion Don Lynch, sponsored by Waycross Okefenokee Lions Club
Lion Charles N. Overstreet, PCC, sponsored by Hazlehurst Lions Club
Lion Frank Stokham, sponsored by Port Wentworth Lions Club.
Billy G. Marshall, PDG. Lion Marshall joined the Pembroke Lions Club in March 1982. He served on the club’s Board of Directors for seven years and as president for eight years. He served two years as Zone Chairman, three years as Region Chairman and served as Vice District Governor and District Governor. He is a Melvin Jones Fellow. He served as District 18-B Vice President for the Camp for four years. He was recognized by his club as Lions of the Year. He has held several district ex-officio cabinet positions. He received the Presidents Award and the C.M. Blanton Award from the Camp for the Blind and is a Diamond Member of the Century Club at the Camp. He has received five International President’s Certificates of Appreciation and an International President’s Leadership Award. He has attended three international conventions and two USA/Canada Lions Leadership Forums.
Roy L. Jones, PDG. Lion Jones joined the Douglas Lions Club in January 1955. He has served as Line Tamer, Tailtwister, 1st, 2nd and 3rd Vice President and was a 100% president for two years. He has served hic club as chairman of a number of different committees and has excelled in each position. He chaired the Douglas Lions Club Poultry Princess Pageant for 19 years. He has served the district in several ex-officio cabinet positions. He served two years as a 100% Zone Chairman and served four years as 100% Deputy District Governor. He was a 100% District Governor. He has received two International President’s Awards. He is a Melvin Jones Fellow and is a Life Member of Lions International. He has received the Golden Chain Award. He has received a Membership Development Award from Lions International. He has served as a director for the Georgia Lions Lighthouse for a full term. He is active both in the community and is a member of the Administrative Council for his church. He was recognized as the Douglas/Coffee County Chamber of Commerce for his contributions to the Georgia Legislature’s public information campaigns. He remains active in all the affairs of his club.
Larry R. Winters, Sr., PDG. Lion Winters joined the Saint Charles, Michigan Lions Club in 1942 as a charter member. In 1948 he transferred to the Flushing, Michigan Lions Club holding all offices and serving as President in 1961-62. He was Cabinet Secretary in 1952-53; Zone Chairman in 1955-56; Deputy District Governor 1956-57; District Governor 1958-59 being 100% DG. He chartered three new Lions Clubs, all of which are still active. He moved to Savannah in 1976 and has been active since then in the Savannah Port City Lions Club where he served as President and Secretary. He was Cabinet Secretary in 1977-78 and 1978-79. He helped introduce Leader Dogs for the Blind to Georgia and selected to serve as District and Multiple District Chairman from 1977-92. Appointed to Leader Dog Advisory Board and served from 1984 to 1988 and served on their Board of Trustees from 1988 to the time of death in 2004. He became a Life Member in 1979. He received the International President’s Leadership Award in 1979 and became a Melvin Jones Fellow in 1990. He had over 50 years of perfect attendance during over 60 years of membership. He has attended over 50 State Conventions in Michigan and Georgia and 10 International Conventions. Lion Winters was sponsored by Savannah Port City Lions Club.
P. B. Edwards, Jr. PDG. Lion Edwards joined the Port Wentworth Lions Club as a charter member in 1959. He held every elective office in that club and served as President on four different occasions. He had 38 years of perfect attendance. He sponsored 44 members into the Port Wentworth Lions Club. He was Deputy District Governor 1969-70 and District Governor 1970-71. He received numerous awards including a Master membership key and a 25 year service award. He was named his Club’s Lion of the Year in 1984. He was active in his church and also served as Mayor of Port Wentworth for 20 years
Robert H. Bovee, PDG. Lion Bovee joined the Savannah-Port City Lions Club in 1969 and maintained a record of perfect attendance for 32 years. He served in all offices in his club including three terms as President. He spearheaded many club projects to raise money for his Club’s charitable efforts. He was a 100% Club Secretary/Treasurer for the term 1978-79. He served in many capacities for District 18-B and was a 100% officer in the following positions: Cabinet Secretary/Treasurer, Zone Chairman, Region Chairman, Deputy District Governor, Lieutenant Governor and District Governor. He served as Membership Chairman for the district and was also a Director and Trustee for the Georgia Lions Camp for the Blind. He served two terms as Vice President for the Georgia Lions Lighthouse (1993-95; 1999-2001) and also served as a Trustee. During his tenure he also chaired several committees for the Lighthouse. Lion Bob served as the Multiple District 18 Membership Development Chairman for 1995-97.
Joe L. Moore, PDG. Lion Moore was a long time member of the Metter Lions Club. He served his club as Liontamer, Tailtwister, Secretary, Treasurer, Vice President and President. He served several terms as a member of the club’s Board of Directors. He served the district for several terms as Zone Chairman and several terms as Region Chairman. He served a complete term as Lieutenant Governor and was elected as District Governor for the term 1993-1994. Lion Joe was the last to serve in the position known as Lieutenant Governor for the next year the position became known as Vice District Governor. Lion Joe was well known throughout District 18-B and unfortunately his term of office was cut short when he passed away while in office. He is remembered today as being a dedicated Lion, a friendly Lion and a Lion friend to all.
Lion Christopher Barbieri, PDG, has been a lion for over 33 years. He has served his club in all Positions. 25 years as Chairman of the Tom Purvis Memorial Fund and 15 years as Reginald Seoane Wildcard fund. On district and MD18 level, PDG Chris served 30 years as District Tail twister, 15 Years as International Convention Chairman, 1 Year, Chairman of Peach Bowl Pageant, Director For peach bowl from 1977 till end of Lions Involvement, District Governor-1977-78. PDG Chris was 100% District Governor, has 2 International Certificates of Appreciation and a International Award for Leadership.
Received Bellsouth hands across BAPCO for Community service award 1999, Savannah Italian Club Business Man of the year-1971, American Advertising Federation Silver medal for Excellence in Advertising -1980, Savannah Advertising Club Hadley and Cammack excellence Awards for Advertising 1982.
He is a Melvin Jones fellow. Lion Chris was sponsored by the Savannah Port City Lions Club.
Lion Inman Davis, PDG, has been a lion for over 28 years. He has served in every Position of his club several times and in each case was 100%. On the district and MD18 Level, PDG Davis served as Vice District Governor-1988-1989, and District Governor-1989-1990. Served on many state committees, And was Vice President to Georgia Lions Lighthouse foundation for our district. PDG Davis was 100% District Governor, has a International Certificate of Appreciation, Was Lion of the Year-1982, is a Melvin Jones Fellow, and this past year, received the “Deen Day Smith Lifetime Achievement Award”. This award honors local citizens who dedicate time, effort and financial Contributions to worth causes, programs or Projects.
During his term as District Governor he was Supportive in the active membership of Women as lions. Was the 1st District Governor to induct women into a club in The District and also the State. Was the First District Governor to install a woman as an officer of a Lions club in District 18b. He has lived an exemplary life that can be Summed up in his own motto “Devoted and Vibrant in Service”. Lion Inman was sponsored by the Statesboro Noon Lions Club.
Lion William S. Gnann has been a Lion since March 1967. He has served his club in all of the elected positions and is presently the club lion tamer. Was Lion of the Year, 1974, 1990, 1991, 1995 and 1996. In 1997, Chatham County presented Lion Gnann with a Leadership Award for outstanding support of the Summer Softball League. For many many years He has been Committee Chair in charge of the Concession Stand for all Ball Games connected with the Port Wentworth Lions Club Ball Park. From 1974 to Present, he volunteers to go to local schools and assist with anything that needs any sort of special attention. Lion William was sponsored by the Port Wentworth Lions Club.
Lion Jerry B. Ney, PDG, has been a Lion for 45 Years. He has served several times in each position within his own Lions Club and has held positions within the State Organization. Was Zone Chair 3 times, served the following positions for the Georgia Lions Lighthouse: Secretary, Vice President, President, Chairman Of Finance Committee and is presently a Trustee. Was General Chairman for the Last 2 State Conventions in Savannah and is Convention Coordinator For 2004.
PDG Jerry was 100% Club President and 100% District Governor, and has 2 International Certificates Of Appreciation and a Friendship Medal. He is also very active in his local Church. Lion Jerry was sponsored by the Savannah Port City Lions Club.
Lion Lonnie V. Roberts, PCC, joined the Hazlehurst Lions club in 1980 and has had perfect attendance during this period. PCC Lonnie has served his home club, our District and MD18 with great distinction and has been one of the most dedicated Lion Leaders in our association. He has served in every position within his Home Club, was Deputy District Governor 1985-1986, lt. Governor 1986-1987 and District Governor 1987-1988. MD18 Council Chair, 1989-1990, District Convention Chair, 1992-1993 and 2001-2002.
PCC Lonnie was 100% District Governor 1987-1989, has Numerous International Certificates of Appreciation, International President’s Award 1992-1993, International Presidential Leadership award 1999-2000, and many District and Club awards. Lion Lonnie was sponsored by the Hazlehurst Lions Club.
Lion Charles H. Shurtleff, PDG, was a Lion for 16 years with perfect attendance. He served his Local Lions Club, District 18-B and MD18 with Distinction. He held every office of his local club and served our District and State with the following positions: Zone and Region Chair, Vice District Governor, District Governor, District Membership Chair, District White Cane Chair, State Convention Chair, State Liberty Day Chair, and at his death was President of District 18-B Past District Governor’s Association. Developed the State Liberty Day program, was a Adult volunteer for Boy Scouts for 22 years, was on founding committee for the Hinesville Christmas parade, member of the Viet Nam Veterans Association and a member of Hinesville Shrine Club. He received 3 International Certificates of Appreciation, International President’s Award, International Leadership Award and had 5 Golden Chain awards for Membership. PDG Chuck was a Melvin Jones Fellow. Lion Chuck was sponsored by the Hinesville Lions Club.
Lion Rommie Thompson has been a Lion for 20 years and is a “Charter Member”. He has served as Club President 4 times and was 100% President each time. He has brought in 5 new members and was selected as “Guilding Lion” for the Collins Lions Club and gave selflessly of his time during their first year to aid and assist them in getting of to a good sound start. He demonstrated his leadership ability when he organized their first fund raiser and the Collins Lions Club grossed over $2500 profit. He is currently serving as District 18-B Lion Tamer.
His ability to seek out different inventive ways for fund raisers, and organize them into money making projects has increased the Bellville Lions Club revenue from a club making $5,000 annual to a club now bringing in over $15,000 annually. On four occasions he took the initiative to take 7 lions from his club and drove to 4 International Lions Convention’s. He is a Melvin Jones fellow. Lion Rommie was sponsored by the Bellville Lions Club.
2005 Inductees
Lion Jon Alan Lichner, sponsored by the Savannah Port City Lions Club. Lion Jon Lichner has been a Lion since October 1978. He has served several times in each of the elected positions of leadership within the Savannah Port City Lions Club.
He has also served as Zone Chair, Deputy District Governor, which is now called Region Chair, 18-B Cabinet Secretary/Treasurer, Georgia Lions State Convention Chair, 18-B Cabinet Treasurer, District Assistant Tail Twister for 10 years and has served multiple times on the district Audit Committee, Credentials Committee and State Convention Committee.
Lion Jon served as guiding Lion to the former Thunderbolt Lions club and the Savannah Port City Lions Representative on the Board of Directors of Savannah Speech and Hearing for 4 years. He is the only recipient of the Golden Calculator Award for effective budget management for the district. Lion Lichner is the recipient of an International President's Certificate of Appreciation.
Lion Lillian F. Shurtleff, PDG, sponsored by the Hinesville Lions Club. PDG Lillian F. Shurtleff has bee a Lion since 1993. She has served her club as Lion Tamer, Director for 2 years, Vice President, President and currently is the Peace Poster Chair.
Within District 18-B she has served as Zone Chair, A Director for the Georgia Lions Lighthouse, Trustee for the Lighthouse, Director and Awards Chair for Georgia Lions Camp for the Blind, Vice District Governor and District Governor.
At the state level she was MD-18 State Convention Chair in 2004 and presently serving as MD-18 Woman's Membership Development Chair and MD-18 Liberty Day Chair. PDG Lillian has attended 5 International Conventions, served as mentor for 3 Club Presidents, and she developed a Club Bio Directory.
By profession, she has been a School Teacher since 1964 and was teacher of the year in 2004-05. She served the Boy Scout Program for the past 23 years and is still very active with the Scouts. She is currently serving as Assistant Council Chair. Scouting Awards include the Silver Beaver Award, District Award of Merit, Regional Distinguished Commissioner Award and she is a Member of the Order of the Arrow.
Lion Shurtleff organized the members of the Hinesville Lions Club to assist in the development of the Local Boy Scout Camp. PDG Lil is also a Lifetime Honorary Member of the Vietnam Veterans of America.
Lion Lil has received 2 International President's Certificates of Appreciation, the Inman Davis Outstanding District Governor Award, Hinesville Lions Club Lion of the Year, 100% President Award, 100% Zone Chair. She is a Melvin jones Fellow and has 3 Golden Chain Awards. Lion Lil was awarded the International President's Leadership Medal in 2005.
Lion Jack L. Kennedy, PCC, Sponsored by the Statesboro Noon Lions Club. Past Council Chairperson Jack Kennedy has been a Lion since 1989. He served in all elected positions within the former Statesboro Lions Club and is presently serving as Tail Twister and Activities Project Coordinator for the Statesboro Noon Lions Club.
PCC Jack has served as Zone Chair, Region Chair, Vice District Governor, District Governor, Chairperson of the Council of Governors, Counsel Advisor MD 18, and as a Trustee of the Georgia Lions Lighthouse Foundation.
The sincerity and dedication of this Lion is contagious! PCC Jack approaches all he does as a Lion with the sole idea of serving others. Sometimes it's service to an individual within his local community, sometimes , it's to a fellow club member, sometimes, it's to another Lions Club or another district.
In his Leadership capacity, Lion Jack has assisted Lions within the state who were seeking guidance and Leadership Advice. As MD18 Council Chairperson, he was the driving force to involve the Lions of Georgia with Emory University Hospital and the Medical College of Georgia to implement a state wide Diabetic Retinopathy Testing Program. He took an active role in the establishment of the newly formed University Club Branch at Georgia Southern University.
The greatest thing that happened to Lion Jack when was District Governor was to see a Lions Club formed in his hometown of Collins, Georgia. He and his father were Charter Members of the former Collins Lions Club. Lion Jack also originated the "Georgia Peach Proclamation" for the wives of visiting International officers as means of recognition and welcome to Georgia. Each proclamation is uniquely designed and is presented with a crystal peach on an formal occasion.
By profession, Lion Jack was an Administrative Judge. He has written landmark decisions that remain in place today in the Georgia Code of Law. PCC Jack was 100% President, 100% Zone & Region Chair, 100% District Governor. He has several International President's Certificates of Appreciation, International Leadership Medal, International President's Medal. He is a Progressive Melvin Jones Fellow.
2006 Inductees
Runette Davis, Statesboro Noon Lions Club
James O. Ray, PDG, McRae Lions Club
James Brown, Douglas Lions Club
DISTRICT 18-B HALL OF FAME GUIDELINES FOR INDUCTION
1. PURPOSE: The District 18-B Hall of Fame is established to recognize special Lions for their achievements and service to their Lions Club, the Lions of District 18-B, and the Lions of Georgia.
2. ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA:
a. All nominees must have served Lionism for at least ten (10) years and must have served District 18-B honorably, faithfully, and with due diligence. All living nominees must be current and active members in good standing of a Lions Club in District 18-B.
b. Nominations for entry into the District 18-B Hall of Fame must originate from a District 18-B Lions Club or a member of the District 18-B Hall of Fame. In the absence of nominations from the aforesaid, the 18-B Past District Governors Association (PDGA) may nominate Lions to the Hall of Fame.
c. Clubs or Hall of Fame members desiring to nominate a Lion for induction into the Hall of Fame must submit a nomination form to the President of the PDGA setting forth the qualifications of the nominee. The President of the nominating club or the Hall of Fame member must sign the nomination form. The nomination form is attached to these guidelines and indicates what information is required.
d. Any nomination submitted for consideration where the individual is not selected for induction may be updated and resubmitted for consideration the following year.
e. The nomination form is to be submitted to the President of the PDGA and must be postmarked no later than December 5.
f. A club and/or Hall of Fame member may nominate no more than one living and one deceased Lion each year. No more than one living and one deceased member of any club may be nominated each year.
g. Each nomination form submitted must be accompanied by a check from the nominating club or Hall of Fame member in the amount of $35.00. These funds will be used to purchase the award plaque and for the necessary engraving. Checks accompanying nomination forms for nominees not selected will be returned to the nominator after the final selection process is completed.
h. All Past International Directors from District 18-B, elected or appointed, shall be automatically inducted into the Hall of Fame.
3. SELECTION PROCESS:
a. Selection to the Hall of Fame will be limited to a maximum of three (3) Lions, living or deceased, or any combination thereof, per year. This is not to be interpreted to mean that three (3) Lions must be selected for inclusion in the Hall of Fame each year. This is a maximum number. Fewer than three, to include none at all, may be selected if deemed appropriate.
b. The President of the PDGA will appoint a committee to review all nominations. This committee will be composed of three (3) members of the Hall of Fame. Committee members must be in good standing and active members in their respective Lions Club. PDG’s appointed to this committee must be in good standing and active members in the PDGA.
c. The Review Committee shall review all nominations to determine if nominees meet eligibility requirements and are worthy to be considered for induction into the Hall of Fame. Those nominees the Committee deem to meet the eligibility requirements and deem to be worthy for induction shall be forwarded to the President of the PDGA.
d. The President of the PDGA shall submit the list from the Review Committee to the PDGA membership for voting. Members shall vote for no more than three (3) Lions for induction into the Hall of Fame. In order to be chosen for induction, a nominee must receive at least two-thirds of the vote. In the event that more than three nominees receive two-thirds of the vote, those three nominees with the longest service in Lionism will be selected for induction. Only those PDG’s who are in good standing and active in the PDGA at the time of the vote shall be allowed to vote.
e. Votes shall be submitted to the President of the PDGA and tabulated by the officers of the PDGA. The PDGA officers shall be responsible for obtaining a suitable plaque and making the presentation of said plaque(s) at the District Convention Banquet.
f. Names of all nominees and those selected for induction into the Hall of Fame shall be held in strictest confidence by all participants in the selection process.
4. CHANGES TO THESE GUIDELINES: These guidelines may be amended by a majority vote of the active members of the PDGA present at the meeting where the vote is held. The proposed changes must be submitted to the PDGA membership at least thirty days prior to the meeting at which the vote is to be taken.