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Turner has served on city council since January 1, 1984, acting as Mayor Pro Tem and serving as the Interim Mayor in 2020 following the death of former Mayor Ronnie Dixon. He is Vidalia’s representative on the Heart of Georgia Altamaha Regional Commission Board and has worked diligently to improve the community by helping to secure grants – such as the community development block grant which he helped the area get to establish the Toombs County Boys and Girls Club – and to revitalize blighted areas and bring in new developments.
“Mr. Turner’s unwavering dedication to our city and its citizens is unparalleled. His leadership has helped guide Vidalia through both prosperous and challenging times, leaving a legacy that will be felt for generations to come,” City Manager Josh Beck remarked.
Several members of the Council also spoke about their admiration of Turner.
Councilman Cecil Thompson shared that he had known Turner and his wife, Lillie, for over 50 years, and had built a special bond with the pair. “Raymond and Lillie have been the ‘salt of the earth.’ His wisdom, compassion, and unwavering dedication have guided the city through difficult times, and he has mentored so many of us in public service. His legacy is one of treating people with kindness, respect, and fairness. There is truly no one more deserving of this honor,” he commented.
“Mr. Raymond is not just a council member – he is a cornerstone of this city,” Councilman Bob Dixon said. “He brings invaluable historical knowledge and a steady, welcoming presence that made me feel comfortable seeking his wisdom. I am honored to be part of the Council that has chosen to recognize him in this way.”
Councilwoman Jennifer Evans added, “His hard continued from page
work and commitment left an undeniable mark, and his love for this community is truly inspiring. It has been an honor to serve alongside him.”
During the ceremony, Mayor Roper, longtime friend Wilson Johnson, and Turner’s Pastor Ronald Miller spoke on Turner’s service to the city and their gratitude for his leadership.
Roper clarified to the audience that this celebration was not a retirement party, but a mere celebration of Turner’s dedication to work in Vidalia.
“It’s not an easy task to try to honor someone who has served four times the length that you have,” Roper began. “John Raymond Turner – I think his service to our city speaks for itself. He is certainly a man of the people, he has a heart for service, and he has served us very, very well.”
The Mayor shared a poem discussing “the man in the arena,” as he shared his gratitude for being able to serve with a man who worked hands-on with all he does. “He has been in the arena of serving our country, he has been in the arena of his professional life, he has been in the arena of his family life, he has been in the arena of his public life – and I would argue to say that he has done all of those extremely well,” Roper said.
Turner’s longtime friend Wilson Johnson spoke on Turner’s servitude. ‘I’m just honored to stand here and say something about John Raymond Turner. He is a lifetime friend,” he told the audience. “He’s a servant that was put here by God to serve all these people, and I’m so grateful I am one. If there is something that he can do, all you have to do is ask him. He will never say no – he’ll do the best that he can. I’m thankful to have a friend like John Raymond Turner.”
“You have been a wonderful asset to the city and church and to your civic responsibilities. May God continue to live among you and your wife as y’all continue not only your work in the city but also your work the Lord appointed you to do on this earth,” Miller emphasized, as he invited an elder from the church’s conference to speak about Turner’s work with the church.
The evening concluded with a performance from the St. Paul A.M.E. Church, which Turner attends, and the Enhancing Low Income Communities Economically (ELICE) Choirs.
City Clerk Kellie Murray has been working with contractors, and the new signage on the annex is expected to be completed by the Vidalia City Council meeting on February 10.
UNVEILING THE RENDERINGS – Vidalia Mayor Doug Roper (right) and Councilman Cecil Thompson (left) unveil the renderings of the Vidalia Municipal Annex’s name change during a celebration on January 30.Photo by Makaylee Randolph
STUDENTS OF THE MONTH — JD Dickerson Primary School has announced Students of the Month for January. These students have continued to show JDD PBIS PRIDE. They are always being respectful, responsible, and safe at JDD. (L to R): Back Row: Antonio Knowles, Kinsley Johnson, Chloe Lee, Jace Mincey, Carter Kight, Sencere Garner, Scott Braddy, Wynn Shirley, Melanie Mendez, Middle Row: Zuri Tolbert, Violet Dean, Landon Gibson, Demetri Sharpe, Karalynn Jackson Roberson, Ezra Turner, Charli-Kate Herring, Eryn Hilton, Toni Kate Dennis, Front Row: Tucker Aaron, Gracelyn Villa-Torres, Adrian Holloway, Ae’Siah Scott, Blakelynn Wilkinson, Ari Day, and Londyn King.
