District 18-F

District 18-F was organized in 1955 as a result of Multiple District 18 being reorganized from four Districts to six Districts. The other District that was organized at this time was District 18-E. Its first Governor was Lane Stokes of Wadley, Georgia. At the time of its organization, District 18-F had 34 clubs with 1,233 members. Many of the Past District Governors of District 18-F have served Lionism both on the State level and on the International level. Past District Governor Marvin G. Pound of Sparta, Georgia was International Director at the time the District was formed. Past District Governor Dr. Beverly Roberts was elected International Director in Hong Kong, China, in 2005 for a 2005-07 term. Others who have continued to serve with distinction are: F. Hughes Willingham, and Jon A. Winters, who served as President of the Georgia Lions Lighthouse Foundation; Two Past District Governors served as President of the Georgia Lions Camp for the Blind, Raymond Peters and Hank Barks; three have served as State Lion Tamer. They are: Rupert Gay, Olin C. Newby, and William G. Bross. PDG Olin Newby served as State Historian.

*F. Hughes Willingham (Mildred)

1959-60

Past District Governor Hughes Willingham became a Lion in May 1941, a Charter Member of the Lincolnton Lions Club. He served as Carter President, serving for two years. He then served as Zone Chairman and Deputy District Governor before being elected District Governor in 1959. PDG Willingham has served the Lions of Georgia in many areas since that time, including President of the Lighthouse in 1964-66; Cups Award Committee; and as a Director of the Georgia Lions Lighthouse for thirteen years.

*Bill Adair (Mary)

1963-64

Past district Governor Bill Adair joined the Madison Lions Club in October of 1955. He served his club as a member of the Board of Directors for 12 years, as Vice President for three terms, and on many committees. He served the District as Zone Chairman three times, and as a Deputy District Governor before being elected District Governor in 1963. Since that time he has served the Lighthouse as Director, member of the Board of Trustees, and Vice President. He has served the Camp for the Blind as a member of the Board of Directors, Vice President, Interim President, and one summer as Camp Director. He has also served the District and State on numerous Committees.

Olin Newby (Rosemary)

1968-69 and 1985-86

Past District Governor Olin Newby joined the Washington Lions Club in July of 1961. He served his club in all the officer positions and his District as Zone Chairman, Deputy District Governor and as District Governor 1968-69 and again in 1985-86. He has served the District and State in many positions including Lion Tamer, State Historian and on many important committees. He served as President of the Past District Governors Association.

*Roy Varner (Maudeville)

1973-74

Past District Governor Roy Varner joined the Lincolnton Lions club in August of 1958. He served his Club as Secretary. He served the District as Zone Chairman, Deputy District Governor, and District Governor. He has also served as Vice President of the Lighthouse and as a member of the State Awards Committee. His awards include the 100% District Governors Award.

C. W. Edwards, Jr. (Jackie)

1979-80

Past District Governor C. W. Edwards, Jr. first joined the Grovetown Lions Club and later transferred to the Augusta Lions club, where he served in many capacities, including Director, Vice President and President. He has received the Outstanding Lion Award from his Club and the District. He served as Zone Chairman and Deputy District Governor before becoming a 100% District Governor in 1979-80. He served as Treasurer of the Council of Governors, Chairman of the Eye Bank (Medical College of Georgia), Chairman of the State Convention when held in Augusta, and was a Candidate for International Director.

Jim D. Kay (Dot)

1980-81

Past District Governor Jim D. Kay first joined the Dearing Lions Club in September of 1972. He is currently a member of the Clermont/Minneola, Florida Lions Club. He served his Club as President for two years and as Secretary for two years. On the District level, PDG Kay served as Deputy District Governor, Zone Chairman, Extension Chairman, Leadership Chairman, Membership Chairman, Peach Bowl Chairman and White Cane Chairman. He served as Vice President of the Camp for the Blind 2 years, and as Director 2 years; he also served as Director for the Lighthouse three years; Augusta Eye Bank 3 years; Peach Bowl Director 4 years; White Cane Day; Train the trainer 3 years; and as a Director of the Florida Lions Camp for the Blind 3 years.

*Robert P. "Bob" Lyons (Barbara)

1981-82

Past District Governor Robert Lyons joined the Swainsboro Lions Club in September of 1977. He served his club as Secretary, Treasurer, and was President in 1979-80. He was chosen Lion of the Year twice. His service to the District includes Zone Chairman, Deputy District Governor and District Governor. PDG Lyons is the recipient of the 100% President Award, the 100% Zone Chairman Award, the 100% Secretary Award, 100% Treasurer Award, the 100% District Governor Award, and is a Melvin Jones Fellow.

*Albert B. McClure (Phyllis)

1983-84

Past District Governor Mac McClure joined the Glenwood Hills Decatur Lions Club in October of 1959. Later he was a member of the Conyers Lions Club with more than 30 years of perfect attendance. He was appointed Zone Chairman in 1965 and served as Deputy District Governor in 1966-67. He served again as Zone Chairman in 1973-74, then became District Governor in 1983-84. PDG McClure has busy having served in many positions and on many committees, including Peach Bowl Director, Peach Bowl Princess Chairman, Membership Chairman, LCIF Chairman, Pepsi Senior Challenge, Peach Bowl Executive committee, Lighthouse Director, Lighthouse Vice President, White Cane Chairman, State Convention Breakfast Chairman, Extension Chairman, International Convention Chairman, Fight for Sight Chairman, Leader Dog chairman, and many others. He is a Melvin Jones Fellow.

*Frederick A. Kays, Jr. (Mildred)

1983-84

Past District Governor Frederick Kays first joined the Kingsport Lions club in Tennessee in November of 1963. He served as 1st, 2nd, and 3rd Vice President, then as President. He served as Zone Chairman, Region Chairman, and was elected District Governor of District 12-N, Tennessee, in 1983. He served as Director, Vice President and President of the Volunteer Blind Industries of Morristown, Tennessee and as a member of the Board of Directors of the Eye Bank of Knoxville. He has over 26 years of perfect attendance and is the recipient of the Lions of the Year Award, Lion of the Decade Award, and served as Secretary of the Martinez-Evans Lions Club.

*William G. Bross

1984-85

Past District Governor William G. Bross first joined the Thomson Lions Club in January of 1951. Due to work conflict he dropped out of the club in 1955, but rejoined in 1960 and had a perfect attendance for the rest of his service in Lionism. He served as Club Secretary for a total of 18 years, and as Club President. He served as Zone Chairman 1964-65, Deputy District Governor from 1983 to 1985, White Cane Chairman from 1986 to 1990, District Leader Dog Chairman 1986-88, and District Extension Chairman 1988 to 1991. PDG Bross was well known across the state as Curly Bross. In 1986, Curly was first elected to the office of State Lion Tamer, a position he held until 2005. Lion Curly transformed the office in to the traveling store known as "Curly's Store" where Lions could purchase Lion's merchandise and Georgia Lions Signature Products such as trading pins, State Towels, and other novel items.

*Johnny Bagwell (Jacqueline)

1986-87

Past District Governor Johnny Bagwell joined the Fleming Lions Club in January 1972. He has served his Club in every office except Secretary-Treasurer. He has a 100% attendance record for over 17 years. He was selected Lion of the Year in 1985. He served as Chairman of the Council of Governors in 1988-89, Council Advisor 1989-90, and served as Vice President of the Past District Governors Association.. He is the recipient of many awards, including International President Letter of Appreciation, International President Commendation Medal, International President 2nd Extension Award, Key Award, and Lion of the Year Award.

Chip Jernigan

1991-92

Past District Governor Chip Jernigan joined the Conyers Lions club in October of 1983. In addition to service in his Club, he served the District as District Governor 1991-92 and as Council International Convention Chairman.

Bill E. Shurling

1989-90 & 1994-95

Past District Governor Bill E. Shurling first became a Lion when he joined the Thomson Lions Club in 1984. At the club level he served as Third, Second and first Vice President and President. PDG Bill served at the District level as Zone Chairman, Region Chairman, Vice President of the Lighthouse, Vice district governor and District Governor. He was also a Director for both the Georgia Lions Lighthouse for the Blind and the Georgia Lions Camp for the Blind. At the State level he served as the Lions Quest Chairman. He is the recipient of the following awards: 100% District Governor, International President's Leadership Medal, International President's Certificate of Appreciation and is a Melvin Jones Fellow. PDG Shurling was Chairman of the Lighthouse Committee to establish the Georgia Lions Children's Eye Care Center at Emory. His Lion activity includes participation in White Cane Days, Fairs, B-B-Q dinners, broom sales and raffles.

Dr. Beverly Roberts

1995-96

Past District Governor Dr. Beverly Roberts joined the Hephzibah Lions Club on January 2, 1990. She was a Charter member of the Club. Positions held at the Club level includes Charter President, Treasurer (4 years), Secretary (4 years), Lion Tamer, Bulletin Editor, Associate Director to Lions Camp for the Blind, Leo Advisor and Constitution and By-Laws Committee. She served at the District level as Zone Chair., Region Chair. (2 years), LCIF District Chair., Director of the Lighthouse (4 years), Director of the Georgia Lions Camp for the Blind, Vice District Governor, District Governor, Cabinet Secretary (2 years), Trustee of the Lighthouse (6 years), Extension Chair., Retention Chair.

Positions held at the State level includes Council Chairman, Council of Governors Advisor, Long Range Planning Committee, Lighthouse Finance Committee, MD 18 Leadership Development Chairman (6 years), 2nd , 1st Vice President and President of the Georgia Past District Governors Association. Positions held at the International level includes International Elections Committee, Group Leader for DGE School (Indianapolis, Denver, and Detroit) and presenter "Start Your Engines Leadership Seminar, Indianapolis. Conducted Opening Ceremonies at a USA/Canada Lions Leadership Forum. Elected as International Director in Hong Kong (2005-07).

Awards received: 100% President's Award, Lion of the Year Award, District Governor's Excellence Award, 100% Club Secretary, 100% Club Treasurer, 100% Zone Chair., 100% Region Chair., received the Outstanding Leadership Award from the Georgia Lions Lighthouse (3 years), 3 International Presidential Awards, 13 Golden Chain Awards and is a Melvin Jones Fellow. Was inducted into the District 18-D Hall of Fame. Received 3 International President's Certificate of Appreciation and received the Ambassador of Good Will from PIP Frank Moore. PDG Beverly, is very active in Lionism and also, in her community. As an educator she enjoys using her skills being part of the faculty for the Lions Leadership Institutes, USA/Canada Forums and other training sessions. She is an active member of her local Order of the Eastern Star and has held the State position of Elected Grand Trustee of the Assisted Care Committee, Grand Marshall and Personal Secretary to the Worthy Grand Matron. She is a member of the Phi Theta Kappa, Delta Pi Epsilou, Phi Kappa Phi and Phi Delta Kappa honor societies. Also, a life member of the Auburn University Alumni Association and the University of Georgia Alumni Association.

Robert Yonchak

1997-98

Past District Governor Robert J. Yonchak first became a Lion when he joined the Louisville Lions Club in 1992. He served his club as President, Lion Tamer, Director, Associate Director for the Georgia Lions Lighthouse, Associate Director for the Georgia Lions Camp for the Blind and White Cane Day Chairman. On the District level he served on District 18-F's Credentials Committee. Lion Yonchak was the recipient of the following awards: 100% Region Chairman, Melvin Jones Fellow and 100% District Governor. When Elected District Governor in 1997, he had the distinction of being the youngest Lion in District 18-F to hold that office. Presently, Lion Yonchak is a "Lion-at-Large"

Ann R. Stump

1998-99

Past District Governor Ann Stump joined the North Dekalb Lions Club in 1974. This club was in District 18-D, however after redistricting, this club was assigned to District 18-F. At the club level Lion Ann has held all of the elected offices. At the District level she was Zone Chairman, Region Chairman, Vice District Governor and District Governor. At the State level PDG Stump was the first Lioness Club Chair., a position that she held for six years. At the International level she was Convention Chair and served on the training Committee for two years.

Lion Ann has received the following Awards: Lion of the Year, 100% Club President, 29 years Perfect Attendance, Melvin Jones Fellow, Tom Bingham Fellow, was the first person named to the District 18-F "PDG Hall of Fame". Received an International President's Certificate of Appreciation. PDG Ann is active in community programs and numerous Lion projects.

Jon Winters

1999-00

Past District Governor Jon Winters first joined the Hephzibah Lions club in February of 1990. He is a Charter member of the club. At the club level he was President, 1st, 2ns, 3rd Vice President, Treasurer, Director, Board Advisor and has held numerous committee assignments. At the District level PDG Jon was Zone Chairman, Cabinet Treasurer, Vice District Governor, Past District Governor, Membership Chairman, Leadership Development Chairperson, and District Rally Chair. At the State level he served as Treasurer of the Georgia Lions Lighthouse and is now serving as President of the Lighthouse.

PDG Jon is the recipient of the following Awards: Club Lion of the Year; two International President's Awards; three International President's Certificates of Appreciation and 100% Club President. He is a member of the Augusta-Richmond County Personnel Board.

Richard W. Brown

2000-01

Past District Governor Richard W. Brown joined the Covington Lions Club, October 28, 1990. He served his club as Tailtwister, Vice President (Third, Second and First) and as President. At the District level he was Zone Chairman, Region Chairman, Leadership Chairman, Song Leader, Vice District Governor and District Governor. He served at the State level as Council Chairman, Council Advisor, and Membership Development Chairperson. PDG Richard received the 100% President's Excellence Award, 100% District Governor's Award, four Golden Chain Awards and a 5 member key. PDG Richard has sang with the Covington/Conyers Choral Guild for 12 years.

William "Bill" Craig (Carolyn)

2001-02

Past District Governor Bill Craig first became a Lion when he joined the Benbrook Texas Lions Club. He is presently a member of the Centerville Lions Club. At the club level he was President, Vice President, Director, Tailtwister and was chairman of numerous committees. At the District level PDG Bill was District Governor, Vice District Governor, Membership Chairman, Tailtwister, LCIF Chairman and Extension Chairman. At the State level he was Council Chairperson, Council Advisor, Membership Chairperson and Leader Dog Representative.

PDG Bill is the recipient of the following awards: International President's Certificates of Appreciation (3), International President's Leadership Award, Herb Reimer's Memorial Plaque (18-E) and Lion of the Year (Warner Robins Lions Club). PDG Bill joined the Benbrook, Texas Lions Club and has been a member in three different states. During the past 13 years, he has served MD 18 as Membership Chairman and Multiple District Leader Dog Chairman. He is a volunteer with "Keep Warner Robins Beautiful", United Way of Central Georgia and the American Heart Association.

FRANCIS W. (HANK) BARKS (Doy)

2003-2004

Past District Governor Francis W. (Hank) Barks joined the Warner Robins Noon Lions Club in 1978. At the club level he has served as Second Vice President, First Vice President and President (twice). He also held positions of Secretary, program chairman, tail twister, membership chairman and member of the board of directors. At the District level he served on the Membership/Retention committee, Vice President Camp for the Blind and President of the Georgia Lions Camp for the Blind (1998-2002), District Secretary/Treasurer, Zone Chair, Deputy District Governor, Vice District Governor and District Governor. At the state level Lion Hank was President of the Georgia Lions Camp for the Blind, he served on the convention committee and was Vice Council Chairman. Lion Hank was the Guiding Lion for the Houston Peaches Lions Club, and helped with the formation of the Warner Robins Lioness Club in 1980. He has been active in the administration of the Georgia Lions Camp for the Blind for over 20 years. PDG Barks retired from the U.S. Air Force as a Lt. Colonel. His service career included 17 years in the strategic air command flying B-52 bombers. Lion Hank has been married to Doy for 44 years. They have two sons and four grandchildren.

DR. J. DONALD GLOVER (TERRY)

2004-2005

Past District Governor Dr. J. Donald Glover joined the Milledgeville Lions Club during October of 1992. At the club level he served as Club President, Secretary and a number of committee assignments. He was chairman of the Broom and Mop committee. At the District level Lion Glover has been zone and region chairman and in 2003, was elected to the position of Vice District Governor. He was inducted as District Governor for District 18-F in July of 2004 at the Lions International Convention in Detroit, Michigan. Dr. Glover has attended several USA/Canada Leadership Forums and participated in the Lions International Convention in Honolulu, Hawaii and also Detroit, Michigan. He is the recipient of a District Governor’s Award and Chaplain Award. Lion Don is a native of Covington, Virginia, a paper mill town about forty miles from Roanoke, Virginia in the northwestern mountains of Virginia. He has a twin brother, Ron, who is five minutes older than Don. There is also an older brother and a younger sister. Don is married to Lion terry Glover who is a retired nurse, and a gourmet cook. They have eleven grandchildren and Lion Don has baptized nine of the eleven. He is a retired clinical chaplain and a counselor at Central State Hospital in Milledgeville.

Eugene H. Carpenter (Myrna)

2005-2006

Past District Governor Gene Carpenter joined the Flemingsburg Lions Club in 1953. Later he moved to Georgia and transferred to the Conyers Lions Club in 1982. On the club level PDG Gene served as Club Secretary for 14 years. On the District Level he served as Cabinet Secretary for 2 years, as Vice District Governor and District Governor. Lion Gene has received 3 International President's Certificates of Appreciation, Mission 30 Leadership Certificate, International President's Medal, Level 2 International Presidential Award Medal. PDG Carpenter is retired US Army, 28 years.