District 18-B

District 18-B was organized in 1937 when District 18 was subdivided into three Districts. Districts 18-A and 18-C was also formed at this time. Judge Will Stallings from Soperton served as its first Governor in 1937-38. Included in this group of distinguished Past District Governors are Dr. C. M. Blanton, organizer and first president of the Georgia Lions Camp for the Blind, Past District Governors Lonnie Roberts and Stan Bazemore who served as Camp Presidents, and Past District Governors T. G. Crosby, Tom B. Williams, and Jerome B. Ney who served as President of the Georgia Lions Lighthouse Foundation.

*Dr. Walter R. Wilson

1949-50

Past District Governor Walter Wilson joined the Douglas Lions Club in May of 1937. He was not a Charter Member but had pledged to become a member as soon as he finished college. PDG Wilson has a long history of service in Lionism. He served his Club in every office except Tailtwister. He served as Club President in 1947-48. He was a life member of his Club. District Service includes Zone Chairman three terms; Deputy District Governor two terms; District Governor; and on numerous committees. On the State level, he was District Governor at the time and was instrumental in the forming and organization of the Georgia Lions Lighthouse. He was also one of the Past District Governors who helped to organize the Past District Governors Association in 1949. He served a total of 29 years as Director of the Lighthouse, and as a Vice President of the Lighthouse for 1957-58. He has been one of the Lighthouse Trustees during the 1980s, and has served on numerous State Committees, including the first Constitution and By-Laws Committee. In addition, he was President of the Past District Governors Association for three terms, 1960-63. He is the recipient of many awards, including the Melvin Jones Fellow Award and 50 year Membership Award.

Roy L. Jones (Evelyn)

1969-70

Past District Governor Roy L. Jones joined the Douglas Lions Club in January of 1955. He served in all offices except Treasurer and was a 100% President for 1961-62 and 1962-63. He served as Zone Chairman for three terms 1963-66, and as Deputy District Governor three terms 1966-69. He was a 100% District Governor 1969-70. Awards and special recognitions include 25 years Perfect Attendance Award, and the International President's Award which he received at the International Convention in Atlantic City in 1970.

*Preston B. Edwards, Jr. (Lorene)

1970-71

Past District Governor Preston B. Edwards joined the Port Wentworth Lions Club in March of 1959 and maintained Perfect Attendance through out his career as an Lion. He served his club as President for three terms and sponsored 40 new members. PDG Edwards has served the District as Zone Chairman three terms, Deputy District Governor two terms, Membership Chairman two years, and District Librarian three years. PDG Edwards was a longtime Mayor of the city of Port Wentworth and during the days when patriotism was not popular, he organized the "Stand Up for America Day" which brought national attention to Port Wentworth.

*W. A. "Bill" Gassaway (Johnnie)

1972-73

Past District Governor W. A. "Bill" Gassaway joined the Hinesville Lions Club in June of 1951 and has 38 years Perfect Attendance. He has held all Club Offices except Secretary. He was President 1953-54 and received the 100% President's Award. He has served his district as Zone Chairman for seven terms. He also served as Deputy District Governor 1971-72, District Governor 1972-73, District Extension Chairman 1974-85, and has been responsible for organizing 11 new clubs. PDG Gassaway has served as Vice President of the Lighthouse, and President of the Past District Governors Association in 1987-88. Awards and Special recognitions include District Lion of the Year 1982, Appreciation Award 1980-81, and the President's Award from the Georgia Past District Governors Association 1987-88.

Edwin L. Cook (Kay)

1973-74

Past District Governor Edwin Cook joined the Statesboro Lions Club in January 1957. He served his club in all positions except 3rd Vice President. He has served over 14 years as Club Secretary-Treasurer. His District service includes Zone Chairman, Deputy District Governor, Cabinet Secretary, District Governor, and Cabinet Advisor. On the State Level he has served as Lighthouse Director, Peach Bowl Director, and Lighthouse Vice President.

*R. C. Cunningham (Lucy)

1975-76

Past District Governor R. C. Cunningham joined the Patterson Lions Club in September of 1954, and maintained perfect attendance throughout his life of Lionism. His club service includes over 20 years as Club Secretary. State Service includes Director of the Lighthouse, Trustee of the Lighthouse, Director of the Camp for the Blind. PDG Cunningham has been one of the corner stones of the Camp for the Blind almost from its beginning.

Christopher A. Barbieri (Mary Ann)

1977-78

Past District Governor Chris Barbieri joined the Port City Lions Club in October of 1970. He has served his club as Director, 3rd VP, 2nd VP, 1st VP, and President 1973-74 and 1987-88. He has chaired many Club Committees, including Membership Chairman, Reginald R. Seoane "Wild Card Fund", and Publicity Committee. He always has new ideas for fundraisers. On the District Level PDG Chris served as Assistant Tailtwister, District Tailtwister for over 25 years, Director and Trustee of the Lighthouse, Zone Chairman, District Governor, and Membership Development Chairman. At the State Level he was Council Vice Chairman, Peach Bowl Director, and Chairman of the Tom Purvis Camp for the Blind Scholarship Fund.

Jerome B. Ney (Jeannie)

1978-79

Past District Governor Jerome B. Ney joined the Savannah Port City Lions Club in April of 1959. He has held all office within the club with multiple terms as President and Secretary-Treasurer. He served the District as Zone Chairman 3 terms, and was 100% each time. He served on numerous District Committees. On the State Level, PDG Ney served as Committee Chairman of several Committees. He served the Georgia Lions Lighthouse in many capacities from Club Director, many Committee Chair Positions to Vice President for two terms, Secretary of the Lighthouse for three years, was Lighthouse President for two terms. Lion Ney also served on the Board of Trustees for the Eye Bank. Lion Ney also was State Convention Chairman and Coordinator for four State Conventions that have been held in Savannah. PDG Ney is the recipient of many Awards and Special recognitions including the Master Key Award and Life Member Award 1989.

T. G. Crosby (Cheryl)

1980-81

Past District Governor T. G. Crosby joined the Alma Lions Club in September of 1967, and is presently a member of the Waycross Okefenokee Lions Club. He served the Alma Lions Club one term as 100% Secretary, and the Okefenokee Club several terms as 100% Secretary. He served the District as 100% Zone Chairman, 100% Deputy District Governor for two terms, and 100% District Governor. PDG Crosby served the state three years as Secretary of the Lighthouse and as President of the Lighthouse in 1985-87.

*William L. "Bill" Barber (Hazel)

1982-83

Past District Governor Bill Barber joined the Okefenokee Lions Club in June of 1969. He served his Club as President for two terms and was Lion of the Year in 1977. His service to the District includes Cabinet Secretary and Zone Chairman before becoming District Governor for 1982-83

*Thomas B. "Tom" Williams (Barbara)

1983-84

Past District Governor Tom Williams joined the Pembroke Lions Club in May of 1955 as a Charter Member. He later became a member of the Port Wentworth Lions Club before moving on the the Brunswick Lions Club and then to the Savannah Lions Club where he was honored with a Life Membership. Lion Tom served his club in several offices, including President, and was 100% in each office. He served the District as Zone Chairman, District Governor, and as District Extension Chairman. He was responsible for organizing three new Clubs as District Governor and four new clubs as Extension Chairman. PDG Williams was President of the District and State Past District Governors Association. On the State Level, Lion Tom served as Council Chairman and Council Advisor. He was very active in the Georgia Lions Lighthouse Foundation where he served as Co-Chairman of the White Cane Committee, was the developer of the Ten Million Dollar Fund and served as Chairman of the Committee. Lion Tom also served the Lighthouse as President. He also served as Chairman of the Lions Endowment Program. Lion Tom was the recipient of many awards and special recognitions, including the International President's Award, Extension Award, and was a Melvin Jones Fellow.

Kimball A. Warnock, Sr. (Gail)

1984-85

Past District Governor Kim Warnock joined the Southern Tech Lions Club in 1973. He later transferred to the Rincon Lions Club. He served the Rincon Club in all of the Club Offices and has served his District as Zone Chairman, Deputy District Governor, District Governor, Vice President of the Lighthouse for two years, and on several Committees. On the state level, he served as Trustee of the Georgia Lions Eye Bank for four years and as a member of the International Candidates Committee.

James O. Ray (Erma)

1985-86

Past District Governor James Ray joined the McRae Lions Club in October of 1979. He served as President of the Club in 1982-83, and was Lion of the Year in 1984-85, as well as member of the President Builders Club 1985-86. Beyond his own Club, he has served as Zone Chairman 1983084, Deputy District Governor 1984-85, District Governor 1985-86, and as Director of the Lighthouse 1985-86. He is a Melvin Jones Fellow.

Lonnie V. Roberts (Gina)

1987-88

Past District Governor Lonnie Roberts joined the Hazlehurst Lions Club in December of 1980. His service to his club includes Club Treasurer, Secretary, Tailtwister, and President. He has served his District as Zone Chairman, Deputy District Governor and Council Chairman 1989-90.

John P. "Jack" Hanbury (Kathy)

1988-89

Past District Governor Jack Hanbury joined the Augusta Lions Club in April of 1977. He later transferred to the Savannah Lions Club, and then to Tallahassee, Florida Lions club. While at the Savannah Lions Club he served as Tailtwister and President. He served District 18-B as Zone Chairman, Region Chairman and Membership Chairman; Drug Awareness Chairman, and as Activity and Leadership Development Chairman. He also served as Director of the Lions Eye Bank.

Inman Davis (Runette)

1989-90

Past District Governor Inman Davis joined the Lavonia Lions Club in 1951. After serving in several positions in the Lavonia Club, including President, he transferred to the Statesboro Lions Club where he served as Chaplain, Director, Vice President, and was President for two years. He later became a charter member of the Statesboro Noon Lions Club. His District Service includes Zone Chairman, Deputy District Governor, Lt. Governor, and District Governor. He also served as Director of the Georgia Lions Lighthouse. PDG Davis' special recognitions include 100% Zone Chairman, 100% Deputy District Governor, 100% Lt. Governor, and the Presidential Citation.

*Robert H. Bovee (Martha)

1990-91

Past District Governor Bob Bovee joined the Savannah Port City Lions Club in September of 1970. He has held all positions in his club except Tailtwister. He served his Club as 100% Club President in 1975-76 and again in 1988-89. He served his District as Zone Chairman twice, Deputy District Governor and as Lt. Governor in 1989-90. He served as District Governor in 1990-91 and as Council Special Projects Chairman. Other District service includes: C.I.T.E. Program, three years; Camp for the Blind Director, two years; Trustee, Camp for the Blind, 1992-95; and Lighthouse Vice President, 1992-93.

@Patrick J. Pignataro

1991-92

Past District Governor Pat Pignataro first joined Lionism as a member of the Hinesville Lions Club in June of 1982. He later transferred to the Golden Isles Lions Club and is currently inactive. At the club level he held the following positions: Director, Lion Tamer, Tail Twister, Secretary, Vice President and President. At the District level PDG Pignataro was Zone Chairman, Region Chairman, Vice District Governor and District Governor. He also served as Vice President of Georgia Lions Lighthouse. PDG Pignataro is the recipient of the following awards: 100% Governor, 100% President and 100% Secretary. He also received an International President's Certificate of Appreciation Award and is a Melvin Jones Fellow.

J. Stan Bazemore

1992-93, 1993-94

Past District Governor Stan Bazemore joined the Lyons Lions Club in December 1984. He served his club in positions of Lion Tamer, Secretary, Treasurer, 1st Vice President, President (over ten terms). At the District level he served a Zone Chairman for many terms, was a 100% District Governor (92-93), 18B Cabinet Advisor. He was Council Representative to the Camp for the Blind. Was a Director of the Camp for the Blind and the Lighthouse. He has served on many committees of both organizations. Lion Stan also served as Treasurer for the Camp and as Camp President for two terms. While serving as Council of Governors Chairman, Lion Stan returned to duty as District Governor at the untimely death of District Governor Joe Moore. Lion Stan is currently serving MD 18 as LCIF Chairperson.

*Joe E. Moore

1993

Past District Governor Joe E. Moore was a member of the Meter Lions Club and was a faithful servant of the club, the District and the Community. He moved quietly through the steps of Leadership in Lionism assuming the role as District Governor in 1993. His goals of service were great and he worked hard to meet those goals. Unfortunately Lion Joe was taken suddenly from us by Illness in December 1993.

*Phillip S. Hurd

1994-95

Past District Governor Phil joined the Savannah Lions Club in 1987. He served his club as Resident (1991-92) and Treasurer for two years (1992-94) He served the District as Zone Chairman (1993-94), Vice District Governor (1993-94) and District Governor (1994-95). Lion Phil was named Lion of the Year (2 times), received the District Outstanding Leadership Award, and many other awards. Lion Phil is a Tom Bingham Fellow and a Melvin Jones Fellow. He was advisor and participant in the Christmas Tree project each year, advisor and participant in his club's "Broom" sales project, District Director of "Designer House" project (1990), President of Goodwill Board. He participated in all gold and bowling events of the Savannah Lions Club.

Billy Marshall

1997-98

Past District Governor Billy Marshall first became a Lion when he joined the Pembroke Lions Club in February of 1983. He served his club as a Director, Associate Director of the Georgia Lions Camp for the Blind, Associate Director of the Georgia Lions Lighthouse Foundation and was elected President of his club in 1989. At the District level he was Vice President of the Camp for four years and has served as Representative for the Recording for the Blind and Dyslexic. He is the recipient of 5 International President's Awards and was named to District 18-B's Hall of Fame.

James E. "Jim" Ward (Janet)

1998-99

Lion James E. Ward first joined the Bulloch Lions Club in November 1989. He served his club as Lion Tamer, Secretary, Vice President, President and Director. At the District level he was Zone Chairman, Region Chairman, Vice District Governor, District Governor and Leo Chairman. Lion Jim was the recipient of the Lion of the Year Award, Governor of Excellence Award and Service to Mankind Award. Lion Jim was familiarly known as "King James" during his term as Governor. He served the Georgia Lions Lighthouse as Vice President for two terms.

He express enjoyment for the opportunity to give back to the community through Lions activities. He is Co-President of Track Boosters, Committee Chairman for the American Diabetic Association, is very active in his church.

@Dr. James E. Davis, MD (Peggy)

1999-00

Past District Governor James E. Davis, MD first joined Lionism as a member of the West Point Lions Club in 1975. He later transferred to the Savannah Lions Club and now is a member of the Woodstock Lions Club. At the club level in Savannah, Lion Jim served as President, Vice President, Director and Chairman of numerous committees. At the District level he was Cabinet Secretary-Treasurer for several years, he served as District Governor, Vice District Governor, Leadership Development Chairman and Long Range Planning Chairman, LCIF Chairman and President of District 18-B Past District Governors Association. At the State Level PDG Davis was Treasurer of the Council, President of the Georgia Lions Camp for the Blind. Dr. Jim is the recipient of the following awards: International President's Leadership medal, two International President's Certificate of Appreciation, 10 District Governor's Appreciation Awards and a District Governor's Extension Award. Lion Jim is a Melvin Jones Fellow. He was a member and Chairman of the Board of Goodwill of the Coastal Empire. He was inducted to the Goodwill "Hall of Fame" in 2003 and is a volunteer with the Special Olympics (1987-2002).

*Charles H. Shurtleff (Lillian)

2000-01

Past District Governor Charles H. "Chuck" Shurtleff first became a Lion when he first joined the Hinesville Lions Club in 1986. At the club level he was a member of the Board of Directors (10 year), Lion Tamer, Tailtwister, Secretary-Treasurer (3 years), 3rd Vice President, 2nd Vice President, 1st Vice President. President. Was Director of Membership (3 years), Associate Director for the Camp, Associate Director of the Lighthouse, White Cane Chairman, Broom and Mop Sales Chairman, Hot Dog Wagon Chairman and Club Newsletter Editor. At the District level he was White Cane Chairman, Zone Chairman (3 years), Region Chairman (2 years), Director Georgia Lions Lighthouse, Vice President Georgia Lions Lighthouse, Vice District Governor, District Governor, Long Range Planning Committee, District Membership Development Chairman, District LCIF Chairman, Assistant District Tailtwister and Trustee of the Georgia Lions Lighthouse. On the State Level during his term as District Governor, Lion Chuck was made aware of a program started by the Lions of Colorado called Liberty Day. He became to first MD 18 Chairman of Liberty Day. Lion Chuck also serve as State Convention Co-Chairman in 2000. Lion Chuck is the recipient of the following awards: District Governors Appreciation Award (3), 100% Club Secretary/Treasurer (3), 100% Club President, 100% Region Chairman, 100% Vice District Governor, 100% District Governor, Lighthouse Leadership Award (2), Golden Chain Award (6), Five Member Key, International President's Certificate of Achievement (3). Lion Chuck was a retired Federal Civil Service employee. A Graduate of University of Alaska (BBA-Management). Graduate of US Army Command and General Staff College. Member Tanana Lodge #3, F&AM, Fairbanks, Alaska, Columbus Lodge of Perfection and Savannah Lodge of Perfection (Scottish Rite), Alee Shriners, Hinesville/Fort Stewart Shrine Club, Life Member VFW, Life Member Disabled American Veterans and member of Vietnam Veterans Association. 35 years of service with the Boy Scouts of America. Assistant Council Commissioner, Coastal Empire Council, BSA and Chartered Organization Representative for Boy Scout Troop 561. Member of St. Phillip's Episcopal Church, Hinesville. Married to Lil Shurtleff and have two sons (Charles III and Michael) both who are Eagle Scouts.

Jack Kennedy (Evelyn)

2001-02

Past District Governor Jack Kennedy was initiated into Lionism in October of 1991 when he joined the Statesboro Lions Club. He has held all offices in his club and offices at the District Level. While serving as District Governor, Lion Jack was instrumental in forming a new Lions Club in his home town of Collins, Georgia. During his term of leadership as Council Chairman, Lion Jack guided his club through reorganization in to a new club called the Statesboro Noon Lions Club where he is a Charter Member. Since becoming Past District Governor, Lion Jack has served as District Retention Chairman, District Extension Chairman, and District Convention Chairman. Lion Jack has received three International President's Certificate of Appreciation, an International President's Leadership Medal and is a Progressive Melvin Jones Fellow.

Jerry Kaiser (Brenda Nease)

2002-03

Lillian Shurtleff

2003-04

Richard S. "Rick" Mizell

2004-05

Past District Governor Richard Mizell was inducted into Lionism when he joined the Savannah Port City Lions Club in November of 1989. Lion Mizell has served in all positions of the club with multiple years of service in some positions. He has worked on many committees and developed projects of service. He published the first Web Site for a Lions Club in the State of Georgia in 1996. He has had continuous Perfect Attendance since joining Lionism.

On the District level, Lion Rick has served as Sergeant of Arms, Cabinet Secretary (2 terms), Zone Chairman, Vice District Governor, District Governor, Cabinet Advisor and Chairman of many other committees. Lion Rick is Web Master of the District Web site and has been District Newsletter Editor for 9 years. He developed the means of emailing newsletters to recipients regardless of location. The newsletter is available on-line and is delivered overseas. Lion Rick is currently serving as Retention Chairperson for the District and is President of the 18-B Past District Governors Association.

On the State Level, Lion Rick served as Council Vice Chairman, served the Georgia Lions Lighthouse in many capacities from Club Appointed Director, District Director, Lighthouse Vice President and member and Chairperson of several Lighthouse Committees. He published the first Lighthouse Website. Lion Rick served MD18 as Web Master since 2000, during this time the MD18 web site has received International recognition, six times (3 First Place, 3 Honorable Mentions in the Web Site Contest for Multiple Districts). Lion Rick also serves as Information Technologies Chairperson for MD18 and State Uniform Committee Chairperson. Lion Mizell was elected MD18 Lion Tamer in 2006 and has modernized Curly's Store for the 21st Century. Lion Mizell is also serving as MD18 PDG Association Historian.

PDG Mizell is a graduate of the first Lions International Senior Leadership Institute in 2000. In recognition of his service, he has received 100% Club President, 100% Secretary-Treasurer, 100% Cabinet Secretary, 100% Zone Chairman, 100% Vice District Governor, Golden Chain Award (two Years), several District Governor's Appreciation Awards, Georgia Lions Lighthouse Outstanding Vice President's Award, Mildred Bingham Award for Outstanding Service to the Georgia Lions Lighthouse Foundation, two International President's Certificates of Appreciation and  the International President's Leadership Medal. Lion Mizell is a Melvin Jones Fellow.

Lew Waldrop (Cindy)

2005-06

Past District Governor Lew Waldrop first joined in March 1996 when he joined the Hinesville Lions Club. On the club level Lion Lou has served as Tail Twister, Vice President and President. He also served as club associate director for the Georgia Lions Lighthouse. On the District level he served as zone chairperson, Vice District Governor and District Governor. While District Governor he served as Vice Chairperson on the Council of Governors. PDG Lew is currently serving as Vice President of the Georgia Lions Lighthouse Foundation.