District 18-C

District 18-C was formed in 1937 when District 18 was divided into three Districts, District 18-A and District 18-B are the other two Districts formed at this time. This is covers the southwestern portion of the state of Georgia. There are many Lions from this District that have served Lionism with Distinction and Honor. From PDG Jack Comer who served MD-18 as Georgia Lions Lighthouse President and was the first PDG to achieve 100% club support for the Lighthouse from this District. Past District Governor Ivey Plair, who served as District Lioness Chairman and was responsible for organizing fifteen Lioness Clubs which organized the first Lioness District in MD-18. Past District Governor Joe E. Cox who was among those who was instrumental in the formation of the Georgia Lions Camp for the Blind and later served as President of the Camp.

Past District Governor Jimmy Carter who led this District with distinction, who was later to lead the Lions of Georgia as Council Chairman. Who took his vision for service to Atlanta to serve as Governor of the State of Georgia. It was during his term as Governor, the beginnings of the Georgia Lions Camp for the Blind took place. Again he took his vision of service to a much higher level when he was elected President of the United States. After his Presidency, PDG Carter continued his humanitarian efforts on a global scale with the founding of the Carter Center. PDG Carter was honored with a Nobel Peace Prize for his tireless work for peace in the middle east and is a recipient of the Lions Humanitarian Award in Montreal for his efforts to help the world. It was through PDG Carter's contacts that the partnership between LCIF and Habitat for Humanity was formed. The Carter Center also partners with LCIF to help provide services to hard to reach parts of the globe.

Another Past District Governor of District 18-C developed a passion for Service, a Vision to provide vision where there was none before. Past District Governor James E. "Jim" Ervin did not stop with serving the District, he went on the lead the Lions of Georgia as Council Chairman, then as International Director and then became the First Lion of Georgia to Serve as International President. PIP Jim continues to speak at Club Charter Nights, Club Anniversaries, District Conventions and more. He constantly brings messages of inspiration and support to Lions around the world.

*B. I. Thornton

1946-47

Past District Governor B. I. Thornton actually served as District Governor of District 18-B. But the year following his term in 1947, MD-18 was reorganized in to four sub-districts which formed District 18-D. The result was PDG Thornton's club was reorganized into District 18-C. PDG Thornton joined the Cordele Noon Lions Club in July 1935. He served his club in every office except Secretary/Treasurer. He served the District as Zone Chairman, was Deputy District Governor from 1942 to 1945, then served as District Governor. He served the District in numerous positions and on many important committees. Among them are District Care Chairman, District CITE Chairman, and was a Charter Member of the Peach Bowl Directors. Some of the Awards and Citations received by PDG Thornton include, the Top Ten Award from Lions International 1977-78; The International President's Citation 1982; Melvin Jones Fellow Award 1982; International President's Certificate of Appreciation 1984 and 1986; and the Woodruff Medical Center Award (in recognition of his support of the Emory Eye Bank through the Lions CITE Program). He has also attended several International Conventions.

*Joseph M. Grollman (Rose)

1953-54

Past District Joe Grollman joined the Bainbridge Lions Club in October of 1939. He served for over 20 years as Sales Representative for the Georgia Industries for the Blind (Brooms and Mops sales). Over the years, PDG Grollman has spoken to hundreds of Lions Clubs and other Civic Clubs in Georgia and the surrounding States. He was an honorary member of the Florida "Tarnished Brass Association of PDG's". He served as International Convention Song Leader in 1958. He was President of the Past district Governor's Association of Georgia in 1970-71. PDG Grollman was the recipient of many awards and special recognitions. He was a Life Member of the Bainbridge Lions Club. Other Awards include the Melvin Jones Fellow Award, and the International President's Award 1980-81.

George F. Kessler (Sara)

1958-59

Past District Governor George Kessler joined the Adel Lions Club in September of 1937 and transferred to the Valdosta Lions Club in January of 1941. Since that time he has served his club in many capacities, having served as Sight and Hearing Conservation Chairman for 20 years. He served the District as Zone Chairman, Deputy District Governor, and Cabinet Secretary before being elected District Governor in 1958. Among the Awards and recognitions received by PDG Kessler is the International Association Extension Award.

Jake Wolffe (Bella)

1962-63

Past District Governor Jake Wolffe joined the Bainbridge Lions Club in May of 1949. He served his club in many capacities including secretary for 7 years and as President in 1956-57. He has served the District as Zone Chairman three times, Deputy District Governor three times, and was elected District Governor in 1962. He served as District Sight Conservation and Eye Bank Chairman for several years; was Vice President and President of the Lighthouse for three years; and served on the Executive Council Board of Governors, Lions International 1963-64. PDG Wolffe has many special recognitions and awards, including the Outstanding Secretary Award three times. 100% District Governors Award, Outstanding Zone Chairman Award, Outstanding Deputy District Governor Award, Club Lion of the Year Award for 1980, and he is a Melvin Jones Fellow.

*M. F. Carter (Amelia)

1964-65

Past District Governor M. F. Carter joined the Cordele Lions Club in March of 1946. He has  44 years of perfect attendance and has served his club in many capacities, including President. He served the District as Zone Chairman, Deputy District Governor, and was a 100% District Governor. Among the many Awards and special recognitions received is the Melvin Jones Fellow Award.

George E. Daniel (Carolyn)

1966-67

Past District Governor George Daniel joined the Bainbridge Lions Club in April 1957. He served as Secretary three years and was Club President 1959-60. He served his district as Zone Chairman and Deputy District Governor before being elected District Governor in 1966. He was Vice Chairman of the Council of Governor and was Lion of the Year for the Bainbridge Lions Club.

Joe E. Cox (Virginia)

1971-72

Past District Governor Joe Cox joined the Quitman Lions Club in November of 1960. He served his club in every office except Tailtwister, including 14 years as Treasurer and three terms as President. Positions held within the District include 100% Zone Chairman, 100% Deputy District Governor, 100% District Governor, Extension Chairman, Camp for the Blind Chairman, Membership Chairman, Leadership Trainer, Vice President and President  of the Camp for the Blind. Among the areas in which PDG Cox has served Lionism on the State level are: Member of the Long Range Planning Committee, Director of the Peach Bowl, Director of the Lighthouse, Director of the Camp for the Blind, the first Secretary of the Camp for the Blind, and President of the Georgia Past district Governors Association. Among the special recognitions and awards received by PDG Cox are Lion of the Year Award three times, Club President's Special Appreciation Award, Volunteer of the Year Award, Treasurer Award, Club President's Award. District Awards include Deputy District Governor Award and District Governor Award. State and International Awards include two Extension Awards, Tom Bingham Memorial Award, Camp for the Blind President's Award, two International President Appreciation Awards, Melvin Jones Fellow Award, and Georgia Past District Governors Association Presidents Award.

C. B. "Cotton" Hester, Jr. (Betty)

1982-83

Past District Governor C. B. Hester, Jr. joined the Bainbridge Lions Club in March of 1973. He served his club as 100% Secretary 1983-84, 100% Club President in 1977-78. His service in the District includes 100% Zone Chairman 1979-80, Cabinet Secretary 1980-81, District Governor 1982-83, and Vice President of the Georgia Lions Lighthouse Foundation. Awards and recognitions include 100% District Governor Best District 18-C Club monthly or semi-monthly Bulletin Editor 1987-88, Best Monthly or Semi-monthly Club Bulletin Editor 2nd Place in State Awards 1987-88, and Melvin Jones Fellow Award 1984-85.

John R. Childree (Loutrelle)

1983-84

Past District Governor John Childree joined the Cordele Lions Club in September 1961. He served in many positions within his club, including 100% President. District service includes Zone Chairman, Deputy District Governor and District Governor. Awards and special recognitions include Zone Chairman of the Year, Deputy District Governor of the year, 100% District Governor, International President's Commendation, and the Melvin Jones Fellow Award.

David R. O'Scott (Dorothy)

1984-85, 1999-00

Past District Governor David O'Scott joined the Palmyra Lions Club (Albany) in 1965 and is presently a member of the Colony City (Fitzgerald) Lions Club. He was Co-chairman of a Committee within his club that built a $25,000.00 Baseball Field, was the guiding Lion in forming two new Lions Clubs, served as a 100% President, attended five International Conventions and two USA/Canada Forums. District service includes 100% Zone Chairman, 100% Deputy District Governor, and 100% District Governor. Other Awards and special recognitions received include International President's Appreciation Award(3), International President's Leadership Medal (2), 7 Membership Awards and is a Melvin Jones Fellow.

Lion David is a member of the Central United Methodist Church Board, past Board member of the Ben Hill Library, is a member of the Blue/Gray Museum Association and is a member of the American Legion.

Walter P. Sealy, Jr. (Fran)

1985-86

Past District Governor Walter Sealy joined the Pelham Lions Club in May of 1979. He served his club in many capacities and was Lion of the Year in 1983. District service includes Zone Chairman, District Election Committee, and District Governor. State Service includes Council Chairman, Council Advisor, Director of the Camp for the Blind, Trustee of the Lighthouse, State Awards Committee, State Long Range Planning Committee, and he was Co-Guiding Lion in the forming of the Pelham Lioness Club. Awards and special recognitions include 100% Zone Chairman, 100% Deputy District Governor, 100% District Governor, Lion of the Year, Zone Chairman of the Year, Deputy District Governor of the Year, and Outstanding District Club Secretary.

James E. "Jim" Ervin (Betty)

1986-87

Past District Governor James Ervin joined the Albany Lions Club in October 1977. He served on the Board of Directors for five years and was Club President in 1984-85 and 1985-86. He served as Zone Chairman 1985-86 State Convention Chairman (Albany) 1985, and as District Governor and Council Chairman 1986-87. PDG Ervin served as Council Advisor 1987-88, Campaign Chairman for International Director Myers Banister 1987-88, Chairman of the Long Range Planning Committee 1987-88, State Convention Chairman (Albany) 1989, Presenter at the USA/Canada 1989. He has served on numerous committees with the State Lions, the Lions Lighthouse, and the Camp for the Blind, including Vice President for District 18-C, Georgia Lions Eye Bank, Associate Director of the Camp for the Blind, and Trustee for the Georgia Lions Lighthouse. He was elected to serve as an International Director in 1992. International Third Vice-President in 1996 in Montreal, Canada, Second International Vice President in 1997 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, First International Vice President in 1998 in Birmingham, England, and International President in San Diego, California in 1999. PDG Jim was the last Lion to serve as International Third Vice President and the First Georgia Lion to serve as International President. Lion Jim's Awards and recognitions are too many list, but a few of these include Lion of the Year (twice) in the Albany Lions Club, Lion of the Year for District 18-C, Multiple International Awards. Lion Jim is a Progressive Melvin Jones Fellow.

Lamar Cromer (Helen)

1988-89

Past District Governor Lamar Cromer was a Charter Member of the Cordele Evening Lions Club. He later transferred to the Cordele Noon Lions Club. He served his club two years as Lion Tamer and was Zone Chairman for two years and Deputy District Governor two years as Lion Tamer and was Zone Chairman for two years and Deputy District Governor two years. He served the Camp for the Blind as Vice President for one year before being elected District Governor in 1988.

W. Terry Foreman

1990-91

Past District Governor Terry Foreman first joined the Dougherty Lions Club in 1977. At the club level he held the offices of President, Vice President and Club Secretary. At the District level Lion Terry was Zone Chairman, Region Chairman, Lt. Governor, Vice President of the Georgia Lions Camp for the Blind, Leadership Committee and Guiding Lion. PDG Terry was the recipient of the following awards: International President's Certificate of Appreciation (twice) and was Club Lion of the Year.

He served as Co-chair for the District 18-C Peach bowl Princess Pageant and Miss Georgia Lions Pageant. Was Co-chair of the State Convention when held in Albany. Served as District 18-C Disaster Relief Coordinator for Flood in Donalsonville and for the Tornado in Camilla. Lion Terry is the Coordinator and driving force behind the Camp for the Blind's Truck Raffle.

Joel D. Goings

1993-94

Past District Governor Joel D. Goings became a Lion in July 1962 when he joined the Moultrie Lions Club. He was inactive for a period, however, rejoined the Moultrie Lions club in March of 1984.

At the club level he has served as Lion Tamer, Tail Twister, Director, Vice President and President (2 terms). He also served as Club Secretary. At the District level he was Zone Chairman, Region Chairman, Lt. Governor and District Governor. He was Vice President of the Georgia Lions Camp for the Blind at the State level.

Lion Joel received the Melvin Jones Fellow Award, Tom Bingham Award, 100% District Governor Award and a International President's Certificate of Appreciation. Community service includes being a School Board member, Director of the Chamber of Commerce, Board member of the American Red Cross, and is a Deacon in the Moultrie First Baptist Church.

Terry Rouse

1997-98

Past District Governor Terry Rouse first became a Lion when he joined the Thomasville Lions Club in 1992. He served his club as Tailtwister, vice President, President and Club Secretary. At the District level he was Zone Chairman, Region Chairman, and at the State level he was Director of Georgia Lions Camp for the Blind, Director of the Georgia Lions Lighthouse, Extension Chair, Membership Chair, Youth Exchange Chair, Ann Sullivan Award Committee, President of the Past District Governor's Assoc. and Campaign SightFirst Chairman and Council Chair. At the International level he served as Treasurer for the International Board of Directors meeting held in Atlanta.

He is the recipient of the following awards: District 18-C "Lion of the Year", District "Hall of Fame", 2 International President's Certificates of Appreciation, International President's Leadership Award, Golden Chain Award and LCIF Certificate.

Lion Terry is active in local and District Lion functions - Training sessions, Cabinet Meetings. He helped establish a Lions testing laboratory at Thomas University, helped establish the District 18-C "Hall of Fame", established the Thomasville Leo Club and was instrumental in the formation of new clubs in District 18-C.

David R. O'Scott (Dorothy)

1984-85, 1999-00

See above for the Bio.

Dr. Clinton M. Holloway

2000-01

Past District Governor Dr. Clinton M. Holloway joined the Plains Lions Club in August of 1962. He has held all positions in his club and served as Club President four times. At the District level he served as Zone Chairman 2 times, Region Chairman 2 times, Vice District Governor and District Governor. He was named Lion of the Year by his club, Region Chairman of the Year twice and is recipient of an International President's Leadership Award. PDG Clint received his Doctor of Veterinary Medicine degree at the University of Georgia. He was President of Georgia Gospel Singing Convention (1990, 1996, and 2002), has been a Scoutmaster and is a member of the Plains Baptist Church. He has 4 children and 8 grandchildren.

Frank Gilmer

2001-02

PDG Frank Gilmer joined the Dawson Lions club in 1992. He is presently a member of the Albany Lions Club. At the club level he has served as Tailtwister, Third, Second and First Vice President and President (3 years). At the District level PDG Frank served as LCIF Chairman, Vice District Governor and District Governor. At the State level he as Council Chairman and Council Representative to the Georgia Lions Lighthouse Foundation, Vice President of the Georgia Lions Lighthouse Foundation and President of the Georgia Past District Governors Foundation. His Awards include - Lion of the Year (District 18-C), 2 International President's Certificates of Appreciation, International President Commendation and is a Melvin Jones Fellow. Lion Frank is active in his church and choir.

Chris Sumner (Sheila)

2002-03

Past District Governor Chris Sumner first joined Lionism when he became a member of the Cordele Lions Club in October of 1985. Presently he is a member of the Blakely Lions Club. He served his club as Secretary, Treasurer, Vice President and President. At the District level he served on the committee for Young Ambassadors, Youth Opportunities, Reading for the Blind and Dyslexic, Vice District Governor and District Governor. At the State level Lion Chris served on the following committees: Leo Club, Georgia Lions Lighthouse, Camp for the Blind and works with Paralympics. He has received three International President's Certificates of Appreciation. Was voted Lion of the Year by the Cordele Lions Club and District 18-C. He is a Melvin Jones Fellow. PDG Sumner is a school psychologist and is a Deacon in the First Baptist Church of Blakely.

Edward C. Johnson, Sr. (Pat)

2004-2005