Grady Rogers (seated, right) was honored by fellow Lions Club members for years of dedicated service. In more than a half century of service through the Washington Lions Club, Grady E. Rogers has amassed an impressive list of truly memorable events and personalities as he joined with fellow Lions in living out the Lions International motto, "We Serve."

In all that time, it is not likely that any of them will prove as memorable to Lion Rogers as did a surprise luncheon in his honor hosted by the club at 12 noon Saturday, November 7, 2009, at the Lions clubhouse on south Spring Street. Forty-three members and guests were in attendance, including distinguished former members and spouses or other representatives of deceased members.

The event was made even more unforgettable because of the surprise element, made possible by a fortuitous combination of circumstances and timing. When it became know that Rogers would be coming to Washington to keep an appointment for getting new eyeglasses, Lions Mary Hubbard, Olin Newby, and Bobby West initiated planning to honor Rogers during his time here over the weekend of November 6. The event was presented at no direct expense to the Lions Club.

Rogers has been a resident at the Georgia War Veterans Home, popularly known as the "Blue Goose," in Augusta, since June 4 of this year. While he is generally doing well there, his mobility is limited, so any trip outside requires careful planning.

There was no formal program as such, but the club had agreed that the luncheon would replace its regular weekly meeting set for the following Monday evening. Among some special features, the program consisted of regular club business.

Highlight of the occasion was the unveiling of a beautifully crafted speakers podium, presented as a gift to the club by Bobby West in Rogers' honor. West is a veteran of the Vietnam War who lost his eyesight as a result of shrapnel injuries in combat. As part of his rehabilitation upon his return from the war, West chose to learn woodworking as a therapeutic occupation. Incredibly, he has overcome his handicap to produce a variety of items in his well-equipped and thoroughly modern shop near his home on Lexington Road.

A bronze plaque permanently mounted on the front of the podium reads: "In honor of/ GRADY ROGCITY ERS/ for his years of/ dedicated service/ to LIONISM/ Nov. 7, 2009."

When Rogers arrived at the Lions building for the luncheon, he said he wondered about the large number of cars parked at the rear, but then decided there was one of the famous chicken barbecues in progress. When he entered the building with his wife, Ruth, and sons, Eddie and Bruce, he was greeted with a prolonged standing ovation and only then did he realize that he was the guest of honor.

"It was definitely a complete surprise," he admitted. "Everything had fallen into place so well that I had no idea." Rogers expressed gratitude for the honor, for the Lions Club, for all who had a part in planning and preparing the luncheon, and for everyone present.

Rogers has been a member of Lions International since the early 1950s, and he is a shining example of loyalty and commitment. After more than a half century of Lionism, he reiterated at the luncheon that he fully intends to be a Lion "until the day I die."

Rogers has held every office a local club has to offer, including multiple terms as president. He served about 12 years as secretary-treasurer, probably the most vital position in the club. One of his outstanding contributions to the Washington club came near the turn of the Third Millennium, when he took the lead, along with Past District Governor Olin Newby, to revive the annual Wilkes County Agricultural Fair. After several good seasons, the fair outgrew the club's ability to provide sufficient manpower to keep pace, and the fair was suspended.

Rogers expressed regret that a long-time friend, Past President Colon Edwards, could not be present. He recalled that he and Edwards called each other "Ole Fool" and worked together well during their most active years in the club.

Another most memorable recollection was the expression of thanks to the club from Rev. Franklin Broome for the gift of eyeglasses years ago. Rev. Broome is a native of Wilkes County who grew up in austere conditions and who has risen to prominence as state head of the Cooperative Baptist Fellowship of Georgia.

Rogers served as Wilkes County Tax Commissioner for almost two decades, first winning election in 1977 and serving until he retired in 1996 because of health issues. He survived critical illness but never fully recovered his strength and vitality. Ironically, as Tax Commissioner, Rogers trained his successor in that office, Mary Hubbard, who also became one of the first female members of the Washington Lions Club. Hubbard became a mainstay in the club, serving a record nine terms as club president. She was succeeded this year by Willard Lance.

Lone-time Lions Buzzy Randall, Smythe Newsome, and Olin Newby presented remarks and recollections of their association with Rogers, with added remarks from various guests and members.