McLendon Honored As Lyons Citizen of the Year
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Even an impending hurricane could not stop the Lyons Citizen of the Year celebration on September 26, as the Lyons Lions Club honored Benny McLendon as the 2024 award recipient.
“I am surprised, honored, and humbled by this award. I have never thought of myself as the kind of person to be acknowledged like this – I never thought I have done anything above and beyond what I needed to do,” McLendon reacted. “I love this community, and I’m ready to do more. I have a lot to live up to – I have to step up to be considered in the same group as the 51 other recipients before me.”
It was not 24 hours before McLendon did exactly that, as he and his family business, McLendon Enterprises, have worked tirelessly to help clear roadways of debris and trees throughout Toombs County.
During the recognition, 2023 Lyons Citizen of the Year Kim Stephens emphasized McLendon’s value of hard work and the land, as he remarked, “This person loves the land because he was raised on a farm and had work to do. I understand that he started to work at age 7, learning to drive a tractor and working in the tobacco fields on the family farm. [The family] was a steward of the land.”
He continued, explaining that McLendon continued from page
had attended both Brewton- Parker College and the University of Georgia to obtain his bachelor’s degree in business, before he came home to work the family business – a decision that reflected his value of family, as Stephens depicted him as being “a dear husband, a loving father, and a superhero to his grandchildren.”
Stephens continued, “[McLendon] is a gentleman and a friend to all. He cares about others, as he has been a supporter to many. He believes in the American way of life by the actions that he is and was involved in and still carries out. He is a person that believes that one should leave this world in a better place than he found it. Any person would love to have this person on their side. He supports the needs in our community. He is an enthusiastic person and loves the environment, survivorship, and friendship.”
Upon receiving the award, McLendon was given the key to the city by Mayor Willis NeSmith Jr., who thanked him for all of his hard work and devotion to the community.
In addition to honoring McLendon, the Lyons Lions Club also honored and remembered the 51 past awardees – 31 of which have now passed away – as Stephens commented on the excellence of the area. “We have so many in our midst that are deserving of this great title, but tonight, we could only select one,” he emphasized.
A FAMILY MAN – McLendon’s family remained hidden until he was announced as the recipient, then came forward to celebrate with him.
A LOT TO LIVE UP TO – Benny McLendon said that as a Lyons Citizen of the Year awardee, he had a lot to live up to because of the history of excellence of past honorees. (Shown) McLendon stands along past award recipients. L to R: Clint Williams, Jane Benton, Michael Grimes, Darriel Nobles, Benny McLendon, Sabrina Culpepper Campbell, George Powell, Jackie Alexander, Lucretia Nobles, Kim Stephens.
