Tree is planted in memory of former commissioner
DERRICK PRINCE helps his mom, Judy Prince, plant a tree in memory of the late Benny Prince as Dana Prince Willis looks on and Commissioner Ray Prince steadies the tree.
The family of the late Benny Prince, a former Grady County commissioner, were the guests of honor at a tree planting ceremony conducted at Barber Park Friday morning.
Former commissioner Prince was an avid booster of the county’s recreation department, both during his tenure on the county commission and as a parent and grandparent of recreation department participants.
“He always had kind words and plenty of good advice that I will cherish for a lifetime,” said Grady County Recreation Department director, Becky Bracewell, who served as emcee for the ceremony.
According to Bracewell, Prince always encouraged others to be involved and to dedicate yourself to something you love; work hard because it always pays off; be thankful for all opportunities life gives you; be truthful; and most of all love and spend time with your family and friends.
“His love for our community, his family and friends made him a leader among all. He loved this park and loved watching his boys and all the kids play the sport that they loved,” Bracewell said.
Also sharing remembrances of the late commissioner were former commissioner Charles Norton, Kay David and District 2 Commissioner Ray Prince.
Norton said that while he served with Prince on the board they did not always agree, but he said you could always count on what Prince told you.
Mrs. David, widow of the late commissioner T.D. David, encouraged the crowd to always speak up the name of Benny Prince because it would mean so much to his grieving family. She also shared that her family always visits the tree that was planted at the park in memory of her late husband.
Commissioner Prince, who now represents the same district as his late cousin, said that he had learned a lot from the late commissioner, lessons that he would value for a lifetime.
The shade tree, which was donated by Gainous’ Shade Trees, was planted by members of the Prince family including his wife, Judy, and children Derrick and Dana.
Speaking on behalf of their family, Judy, Dana and Derrick thanked those in attendance and Bracewell for memorializing their loved one in this lasting, meaningful way.
