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Your Town. Your Paper. Your Voice. Friday, August 2, 2019 Vol. 3, No. 15 • 16 Pages • FREE
Lake Lanier Pirates Pillage for Charity
• page 7
Vehicle fire in Old Town • Page 3 E Center burglary • Page 5 Memorial scholarship fundraiser at Tannery Row • Page 6 New BHS ribbon-cutting ceremony • Page 13
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NEWS
Friday, August 2, 2019
The following reports were filed by the Gwinnett County Police Department between July 12, 2019 and July 26, 2019. • In the 1400 block of Border Street in Sugar Hill, a forced entry residential burglary occurred. • Reports for nonforced residential burglaries were filed for locations in the 5700 block of Amberside Lane in Sugar Hill, 1200 block of Satellite Boulevard in Suwanee, 2500 block of Beauchamp Court in Buford, and 2200 block of Jasmine Glen Drive in Buford. • Officers responded to a forced entry nonresidential burglary call in the 4900 block of West Price Road in Suwanee. • Motor vehicle theft reports were filed for locations in the 100 block of Peachtree Industrial Boulevard in Sugar Hill, 3900 block of Sudderth Road in Buford, 3300 block of Buford Drive in Buford, 2300 block of Hamilton Parc Lane in Buford, and 2300 block of Gravel Springs Road in Buford. • Reports of entering auto thefts were filed for the 700 block of Brogdon Road in Suwanee, 3400 block of Buford Drive in Buford, 3300 block of Buford Drive in Buford, 3200 block of Woodward Crossing Boulevard in Buford, 3500 block of Mall Grand Lane in Buford, 1500 block of Mall of Georgia Drive in Buford, 1900 block of Appaloosa Mill Circle in Buford, 2800 block of Sardis Mill Trail in Buford, and 3400 block of Braselton Highway in Dacula. • Police responded to calls for theft by taking in the 5200 block of Under Way in Sugar Hill, 5000 block of West Broad Street in Sugar Hill, 4400 block of Nelson Brogdon Boulevard in Sugar Hill, 2400 block of South Waterworks Road in Buford, 3700 block of Buford Drive in Buford, 3300 block of Buford Drive in Buford, and 3200 block of Sardis Church Road in Buford. • Theft by deception occurred in the 4800 block of Lanier Avenue in Sugar Hill and in the 1800 block of Appaloosa Mill Court in Buford.
• Reports for shoplifting were filed for the 4900 block of Nelson Brogdon Boulevard in Sugar Hill, 3700 block of Buford Drive in Buford, 3300 block of Buford Drive in Buford, 1700 block of Mall of Georgia Boulevard in Buford, 1700 block of Mall of Georgia Drive in Buford, 3200 block of Woodward Crossing Boulevard in Buford, 3200 block of Sardis Church Road in Buford, and 2200 block of Hamilton Creek Parkway in Dacula. • Arrests for DUI were reported for Whitehead Road at Suwanee Dam Road in Sugar Hill, Nelson Brogdon Boulevard at Broadmoor Boulevard in Sugar Hill, Peachtree Industrial Boulevard at Little Mill Road in Buford, and on I-85 south of Mall of Georgia exit. • Sexual battery occurred in the 3300 block of Buford Drive in Buford. • Officers responded to a vandalism call in the 1600 block of Maplecliff Way in Buford and for criminal damage to property in the 1400 block of Mall of Georgia Drive in Buford. • Simple assault was reported in the 5400 block of Silver Springs Drive in Sugar Hill, Level Creek Road and Rolling Rock Drive in Sugar Hill, and 2700 block of Maitlin Way in Buford. • Police responded to incidents of simple battery in the 500 block of Level Creek Road in Sugar Hill, 1600 block of Marakanda Trail in Buford, 300 block of East Shadburn Avenue in Buford, 4300 block of Suwanee Brook Court in Buford, 800 block of Hartford Run in Buford, 4100 block of South Lee Street in Buford, 1400 block of Satellite Boulevard in Suwanee, 3300 block of Buford Drive in Buford, 1400 block of Mall of Georgia Boulevard in Buford, 3000 block of Stone Column Way in Buford, 3400 block of Samantha Drive in Buford, and 4700 block of Lily Stem Drive in Auburn. • Battery took place in the 1400 block of Border Street in Sugar Hill, 5500 block of Little Mill Road in Buford, 2300 block of Buford Dam Road in Buford, 2500 block of Mossy Rock Place in Buford,
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Gravel Springs Road at Buford Drive in Buford, 3200 block of Mill Springs Circle in Buford, and 3500 block of Brockenhurst Drive in Buford. • Aggravated assault with a knife or cutting tool was reported in the 3600 block of Hamilton Mill Road in Buford and aggravated assault with a gun occurred in the 3200 block of Wild Basil Lane in Buford.
Fire destroys car in Old Town Buford Nicole Burns BUFORD — Residents on a quiet street in “Old Town” Buford woke to quite a sight last week. Gwinnett County Fire Department was dispatched at 8:02 a.m. on Friday, July 26 to Sudderth Street between Espy Street and Morgan Street. When firefighters arrived five minutes later, they found a vehicle fully engulfed in flames. The fire spread from the vehicle to a nearby shed. A crew quickly worked to knock down the flames employing a lone fire attack handline. The blaze was under control at 8:14 a.m. Investigators ruled the fire as Gwinnett County firefighters put out vehicle fire that had extended to a accidental. There anearby shed off of Sudderth Street were no reported in Buford. Photo - Gwinnett County injuries. Fire Department
Staff Writers: Jim Simpson Lyndsey Britt Nicole Burns Windy Locke Nida Merchant
Contributing Writers: Lynn Bowman Cindy Wiggins Tapia Brandon Hembree Staff Photographers: Jennifer Johnson Nicole Seitz David Griffin David Hanks
On the cover
The Pirate Posse consisting of Steve Bowles, Catherine Allen, Lisa Bowles, Christi Evans, Rhonda Giarraffa, Louis Giarraffa, Matt Hanger, Joni Jennings, Capt. Pete Allen, Mike Lemieux, Pat Nelson, Jennifer Evans, and Zane Allen aboard the Lady of the Lake won the Best Dressed Crew Award at the 2019 Pirates of Lanier Poker Run. Photo credit: Alicia Couch Payne
SUWANEE CRIME LOG The following incidents were pulled from police reports filed by the Suwanee Police Department between July 15, 2019 and July 26, 2019. All incidents occurred inside the city limits of Suwanee, Ga. • Entering auto thefts were reported in the 300 block of Satellite Boulevard, 100 block of Celebration Drive, 2800 block of Lawrenceville-Suwanee Road, 4100 block of Vista Point Lane, 100 block of Chandon Court, 1000 block of Peachtree Industrial Boulevard (3 reports), 10900 block of Pennbrooke Crossing, 10700 block of Cauley Creek Drive, and 10600 block of Cauley Creek Drive. • Reports for motor vehicle theft were filed in the 10900 block of Pennbrooke Crossing and 10600 Cauley Creek Drive. • Officers filed reports for theft by deception for incidents in the 3100 block of Lawrenceville Suwanee Road, 3000 block of Lawrenceville Suwanee Road, and 4000 block of Baverton Drive. •Theft by conversion occurred in the 1100 block of Peachtree Industrial Boulevard. • Police responded to calls for criminal trespassing in the 11000 block of Pennbrooke Crossing, 200 block of Saint Devon Crossing, 100 block of Chandon Court (2 reports), and 11000 block of Callaway Drive. • A report for theft by receiving stolen property was filed in the 1500 block of Station Center Boulevard. • Incidents of criminal damage to property were responded to in the 300 block of Collins Hill Road (2 reports). • Officers responded to calls for battery in the 3300 block of Lawrenceville Suwanee Road and in the 1000 block of Scales Road. • Police filed a report for aggravated assault in the 3300 block of Lawrenceville Suwanee Road. • Incidents of simple battery were responded to by officers in the 100 block of Leaf Lake Drive and in the 1500 block of Station Center Boulevard. • A simple assault report was filed for a location in the 3800 block of Park Castle Court.
Friday, August 2, 2019
Page 4
Suwanee City Council Meeting Minutes Nida Merchant July 25, 2019 — Suwanee Mayor James Burnette called the July Suwanee City Council meeting to order at 6:30 p.m. in City Hall. In one of its record shortest meetings ever, the City of Suwanee wasted no time before delving into its public hearing agenda. The Main Event business at 471 Northolt Pkwy. in Suwanee had applied for an on-premise consumption of alcoholic beverages license. The licensee has a criminal record history that was reviewed by the Council. The Suwanee Business Service department recommends the Council approve the license. Following the Public Hearing was the Pledge of Allegiance and approval of Agenda and Meeting Minutes. In new business, the City Council considered qualifying dates for the November Election. A resolution must be adopted to establish the required dates.
This concluded the regular public meeting. The Council then went into executive session. In the City workshop meeting held a week earlier, the Council reviewed Capital Improvement updates (CIP) for public projects such as the Suwanee Court renovation and updates for the Lawrenceville-Suwanee Road Sidewalk Gaps. In additional updates, the Pedestrian Bicycle Plan was discussed in creating next steps with the Council. A public open house is scheduled for August 7 from 4:30-7:00 p.m. at City Hall. The 2019 Millage Rate Approval was recommended by city staff at 4.93 mills. The millage rate has been the same for the past seven years and is the same proposed rate in the adopted FY 2020 budget. The City had also discussed expanding its ‘entertainment district’ in the Town Center Area to possibly include an alcohol ordinance. Recognizing the City can only have one such area, and they are inquiring about property boundaries and area limitations. The City is considering applying for two art grant opportunities in the upcoming months. The National Endowment for the Arts and the Georgia Council for the Arts Grant can have a $200,000 matching grant for the Art for All public art capital campaign. The Good to Give Gala will be held on August 17 This concluded the discussion at the Suwanee Work session.
Pet of the Week - Baxter Meet Baxter, a handsome 3 yr old pitbull mix male dog. Baxter is a friendly, full of life lovebug who just wants a family of his own to love and to play with him. He is the best tail-wagger. To adopt this adorable boy or find out more about him, visit https://www. gwinnettcounty.com/web/ gwinnett/Departments/ CommunityServices/ AnimalWelfareEnforcement/ AvailablePets, call the shelter at (770) 3393200, or visit him at the Gwinnett County Animal Shelter located at 884 Winder Hwy, Lawrenceville GA 30045. ID #69152
Restaurant Inspections The following restaurant health inspection scores were pulled from the Georgia Department of Health from July 1, 2019 to July 28, 2019. • Beto’s Tacos; 3463 Lawrenceville Suwanee Road, Suite 110 and 111, Suwanee; ��������������������84 • Bon Bon; 3131 Lawrenceville Suwanee Road, Suite A-6, Suwanee; ����������������������������������������96 • Cafe Amico; 320 Town Center Avenue, Suite 9A, Suwanee; ����������������������������������������������������91 • Cafe Mixx; 2925 Lawrenceville Suwanee Road, Suwanee; ��������������������������������������������������������74 • Central City Tavern; 5019 W. Broad Street, M122-M123, Sugar Hill; ������������������������������������94 • City Lines; 1862 Auburn Road, Suite 113, Dacula; ��������������������������������������������������������������������94 • Coffee House Basso; 1196 Old Peachtree Road, Suite 3, Suwanee; �����������������������������������������90 • Crazy Dough Pizza; 3730 Buford Drive, Buford; �����������������������������������������������������������������������71 • Guayoyo Coffee; 3370 Lawrenceville Suwanee Road, Suite 104, Suwanee; 72; re-inspection ���������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������96 • Houndstooth Grill and Tavern; 6323 Grand Hickory Drive, Braselton; ���������������������������������91 • Jimmy Johns Sandwiches; 3730 Buford Drive, Buford; �������������������������������������������������������������95 • Menchies Frozen Yogurt; 2463 Hamilton Mill Parkway, Suite 200, Dacula; ��������������������������74 • Planet Smoothie; 2463 Hamilton Mill Parkway, Dacula; ��������������������������������������������������������100 • Seasons 52; 3265 Buford Drive, Buford; ��������������������������������������������������������������������������������������83 • Subway; 525 Peachtree Industrial Boulevard, Suite B, Suwanee; ���������������������������������������������82 • Taco Bell #031773; 2422 Hancock Drive, Buford; ���������������������������������������������������������������������99 • Tani Thai Restaurant; 15 E. Main Street, Buford; �����������������������������������������������������������������������89 • Zaxby’s #08501; 4906 Lake Lanier Islands Parkway, Buford; ���������������������������������������������������90
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Thefts reported in E Center parking garage Staff Reports SUGAR HILL — Gwinnett County Police were called to Sugar Hill’s E Center on W. Broad St. the early evening of July 25. Two victims, a male and a female, reported a theft in the center’s parking garage. The victims told police that
they arrived at the site around 4 p.m., parking their skateboard and bicycle in the garage, and then proceeded to walk around the neighboring area. Two hours later, they returned to find their property missing. It is not known whether or not the victims had properly secured their items in the garage. The missing skateboard is painted blue and yellow, with red on the underside. The make and model are unknown to the victims, but the skateboard was estimated to be worth approximately $75. The female victim described her bicycle as a gray Mongoose BMX style with a non-working left hand brake. She did not know the serial number, however. There are no suspects at this time.
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Shoplifting sextet rips off Victoria’s Secret
Page 5
footage showed the suspects working together, removing security devices from items and placing the clothing in each other’s bags. One suspect is seen removing security devices and stuffing them in her bra, and later discarding the devices on the floor and onto shelves. In expert “theft crew” fashion, each suspect eventually purchased an item to give the appearance of legitimate shopping and they each paid with cash, an Staff Reports employee said. The suspects exited the store but did so in different pairs than BUFORD — Described by police as a when they arrived. An employee later “theft crew,” on the afternoon of May 29 found numerous security tags discarded five women and one man successfully on the floor throughout the store. stole about $2,700 worth of clothing The sextet crew consists of a black from the Victoria’s Secret located with- female with shoulder-length black hair, in the Mall of Georgia. and tattoos on her chest and right upEntering the store in separate groups per arm; a black female with long green of two, the suspects were in the store hair (an employee said it was “fairly obfor approximately 40 minutes. “They vious” the hair was a wig) and wearing were carrying bags from various oth- rainbow slides; an older black female er retailers,” said Cpl. Rundles of the with short hair; two black females each Gwinnett County Police Department. with braided black hair; and a black “While they appeared to be shopping, male with a close-trimmed beard and they were removing security tags and black dreadlocks pulled into a knot. concealing items in their bags.” A Victoria’s Secret employee said that An employee noticed that all six sus- one of the female suspects attempted to pects, though entering the store in pairs apply for a store credit card, presenting a few minutes apart, were interacting a New York State driver’s license for with each other during the entire 40 identification. minutes they were in the store. Security “After reviewing surveillance footage,” Cpl. Rundles said, “it was determined that the theft had occurred.” Reasons for the two-month delay in notifying the public are unknown at this time. If anyone has any information to share in this case, please contact GCPD detectives at 770-513-5300, and refer to case number 19-048837. To remain anonymous, tipsters should contact Crime Stoppers at 404-577-TIPS (8477) or visit www. stopcrimeATL.com. Crime Stoppers tipsters can receive a cash reward for information leading to an arrest and This crew of six are wanted for stealing $2,700 worth of merchandise from the indictment in this Victoria’s Secret store at the Mall of Georgia. Photo - Gwinnett County Police case. Department
North Gwinnett Voice
Page 6
Fundraiser for memorial scholarship to be held at Tannery Row Alicia Couch Payne One local family has turned their grief from losing their loved one into a way to give back to the community. Last year the Willard family lost their son, 25-year-old Allen Willard Jr. to a senseless crime. Following his death, the family who already knew that Allen was a kind and giving young man found out just how much Allen had cared for and gave to people. He saved a fellow veteran from committing suicide, offered support to friends that just lost a baby, and quietly gave money to single mothers who needed help, just to name a few. In honor of Allen and his big heart, the Willard family decided to establish the Allen Willard Jr. Memorial Scholarship Fund. The scholarship fund awards scholarships
to senior wrestlers at Buford High School and Collins Hill High School. Allen loved to wrestle and was a part of a very successful team at Collins Hill High School and he was also an assistant coach for the wrestling team at Collins Hill. Allen went to Buford schools most of his school career and played sports at Buford. The Willard family has long been involved in the Buford community donated to various local causes. So the decision was made to award scholarships to students from both schools that Allen loved. The first two scholarships were awarded in May to Buford’s Logan Ashton and Collins Hill’s Jeremiah Pierre. To help raise funds for the scholarship fund, the Allen Willard Jr. Memorial Scholarship Fundraiser is being held on August 31 at the Tannery Row Ale House in Buford. All proceeds go directly to the scholarship fund and the Wounded Warrior Project. The event starts at 3 p.m. and will have plenty of activities for everyone. Join the Willards for this worthy cause and enter a team in the Cornhole Tournament, buy raffle tickets to win $500 in cash and prizes, try your hand at casino games, enjoy the live DJ, and chow down on tasty food. The cornhole tournament is being hosted by the North Georgia Cornhole Association. The cost to enter your team is $25 if
Friday, August 2, 2019
paid before August 24, $30 after that date. If cornhole isn’t your thing and you like casino games, Blackjack, Roulette, and Craps will be available. There will be a raffle to win cash and prizes as well. The grand prize will be $500 in cash. Other prizes that one can win include certificates for massages, $150 in-salon services, a Lake Lanier fishing trip, Apple earpods, Beats Solo 3 wireless headphones, 32 GB Apple iPad, 55 in. LED HD smart tv, and more. The price per raffle ticket is $25 with no limit on the number of tickets one can buy. People do not have to be present to win and can have the chance of winning both a standard prize and the cash grand prize. For more information or to purchase tickets for the corn hole tournament, visit https://www.eventbrite.com/e/the-allen-willard-memorial-corn-hole-tournament-tickets-62544068994. For additional questions, email Teresa.Willard@me.com. The Tannery Row Alehouse is located at 554 W. Main St., Buford GA 30518. To make direct donations to the Allen Willard Jr. Memorial Scholarship Fund, mail checks to People’s Bank & Trust, 1899 Buford Hwy NE, Buford GA 30518 or come into the bank. Checks should be made payable to the Allen Willard Jr. Memorial Scholarship Fund.
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evening. This year’s “natural Charities are the Saturday hand” winner was Matt Arden, second place went to Tracy Hurd, and third place was Matt Wilson. big winners of When it came time to announce the winners of the best “purchased hand,” 2019 Pirates of the Lanier Partners were faced with a dilemma that they had never faced before. captains had bought themselves Lanier Poker Run Five into royal flushes. In order to break the Alicia Couch Payne
Each year in mid-July, Lake Lanier is home to one of the largest poker run charity events in the United States. A local non-profit group called the Lanier Partners of North Georgia, Inc. holds the Pirates of Lanier Poker Run charity event. Close to 200 boats and their crews participated in the three-day event which is held annually at Margaritaville at Lake Lanier Islands. This year’s event kicked off on Thursday night, July 18 with the Meet and Greet Party. Paradise Beach was the scene for the Cheeseburger on Paradise Beach Party on Friday where participants got to have a great afternoon of food and fun. The annual Pirate Stereo Competition sponsored by AVC Marine was held during that time. The firstplace winner of the Pirate Stereo Competition was Kim Chapman in his Supra SE550. Second-place went to Ricky Lohr with Yeah Buoy! And coming in third was Rob Green with Centurion. Friday evening the participants gathered for the Captain’s Party and Auction. Sponsors of the event donated items that were auctioned off with the proceeds going into the larger pot of funds that Lanier Partners will donate. Lanier Partners donates to several charities with the money they raised from this event and a Christmas boat parade held at the beginning of December. The main event is held on Saturday where the object of the Poker Run is to collect cards and at the end of the event be left with the best poker hand of all the participants. Each boat set out from their home dock or marina on the lake and they went around to eight stops on the lake to pick out a card. The eight stops the participants had to go to were Holiday Marina, Lazy Days Marina, Aqualand Marina, Hideaway Bay Marina, Port Royale Marina, Gainesville Marina, Habersham Point Marina, and Margaritaville. If participants were not quite satisfied with their “natural hand” or the hand that they were dealt at the various stops, they could buy additional cards on
five-way tie, those five captains were presented with a set of cards in which they drew a card from the set. The captain with the best card once everyone selected a card was deemed the winner. The winner of the best “purchased hand” went to Jon Russell, second place was Greg Dunn, and third place went to Mark Beverwyk. Awards were also given out for the best-dressed crew, best-decorated boat, and for the best-overall boat. Boats and their crews were decked out in their best pirate regalia on Saturday. Judges were stationed at Aqualand Marina to decide who would take home those three awards. The award for the best-dressed crew went to the Lady of the Lake and her crew dubbed the Pirate Posse. The FUNSHIP captained by Shane Treadwell won the award for the best-decorated boat. The best-overall boat award went to the Irish Pearl, a 51 ft. Sea Ray 460 Sundancer captained by Earl Thompson. As with every winner in the past, this year’s group of winners donated their winnings back to charity. The 2019 Pirates of Lanier Poker Run raised over $100,000 which will be donated to charities like Camp Twin Lakes, Camp Sunshine, Boys & Girls Club of Lanier, and the Edmond Telford Center. During the event, people could buy raffle tickets to win two Yamaha wave runners that were donated by event sponsor, Park Marine & Yamaha with all the proceeds going into the pot of money for charity. The winner of the two wave runners was Kevin Ryan. It takes a lot to pull off an event of this magnitude. Lanier Partners President Barkley Geib said, “I just want to thank my fellow Board Members and the over 200 volunteers that helped put this great event on again this year. I would also like to thank the 172 Boat Entries for this year.” He went on to thank Margaritaville “for all their help and support, as well as our sponsors.” For more information about the Lanier Partners of North Georgia, Inc non-profit organization, the Pirates of Lanier Poker Run, or the annual Parade of Boats visit www.lanierpartners.org.
The best overall hand trophy went to Jon Russell (front right) after picking the highest card following a five-way tie. Photo - Alicia Couch Payne
Following a five-way tie for the overall best “purchased” hand, Mark Beverwyk selected a new card as a part of the tiebreaker. He ended up with the third-best overall hand. Photo - Alicia Couch Payne
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Buford Board of Education Meeting Minutes Alicia Couch Payne July 22, 2019 — Board Chairman Phillip Beard called the July meeting of the Buford Board of Education to order at 7 p.m. at the Buford City Schools Central Office. The agenda and minutes from the June 10, 2019 minutes were approved. The Board approved pay requests for the new Buford High School to Charles Black Construction for $1,149,499.00 and to Breaux & Associates for $16,442.83. A pay request for the new BHS Performing Arts Center was approved for $59,727.00. The second payment for the new roof at the old BHS/ new BMS to Charles Black Construction was approved in the amount of $755,296.00. A pay request was authorized to Henry Schein for $19,041.52 for the hurt hut at the middle school. The
North Gwinnett Voice Board approved a pay request for the branding at the Arena payable to Cotton Eyed Joe’s, Inc for $61,677.70. The purchase of scrubbers, floor machines, and wet/dry vacs for the new BHS in the amount of $50,740.29. Five tables from Buford Elementary School were put into surplus. Six field trip requests consisting of requests from BMS FCCLA, BMS CTAE, and four from BHS Choral Department were approved. Two fundraisers were also approved. BES Principal Graves reported their enrollment as 354. He said they had 41 summer school students. The new teacher’s lounge dubbed The Wolf ’s Den was ready. They have selected their new slogan for the year as “BES - Where it all begins.” Buford Academy Principal Prince reported their enrollment as 1,151. She said that they had a successful summer school session. They were making adjustments to take the school to grades 1 - 3. BA is gearing up for Back to School. Buford Senior Academy Principal Pulley reports their enrollment as 786 for their 4 and 5th grades. They have gotten moved into the old BMS and now have their official sign up. Next week they will have their
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BSA 101 giving the students an introduction to the new facility. They have their preplanning next Wednesday for teachers. Buford Middle School Principal Hagelthorn reports their enrollment as 1,189. The school just got its new roof and AC installation completed and are thankful for that. A sneak peek inside the new BMS for 7th and 8th graders will be on Monday, July 29 from 9 a.m. to noon. BMS 101 for rising 6th graders will be on Tuesday from 9 a.m. to noon. Buford High School Principal Allen said their enrollment is 1,502. He reported that they had 900 kids come through their summer youth camps this year. The football camp increased from 40 kids last year to 120 kids this year. BHS received the scores from the AP testing and out of the 892 exams taken by BHS students, 75% of them passed with a 3 or higher. This is well above the national average. This Friday night the Athletic Department will have their kick-off for the year at the Arena. Up next was Dr. Down’s Superintendent’s Report in which the Board approved a pay request to Gwinnett County Public Schools for Special Education Services that BCSS receives for their special needs students for
$1,136,544.93. Another pay request to GCPS was approved in the amount of $5,687.60 for students attending GIVE. An agreement between BCSS and 1st Stop GA Teen Driving Academy for the 19-20 school year was authorized. Dates for the Board of Education training was approved for November 11, 2019 and February 24, 2020. Assistant Superintendent Reed proudly announced that three Buford schools were selected as GA Title I Distinguished Schools for FY19. Those schools are Buford Elementary School, Buford Academy, and Buford Middle School. Buford Elementary will not qualify this year for Title I nor will Buford High School. They do not have the required percentage of students who receive free or reduced lunches. Chairman Beard went around the room asking if anyone had any further business. With none presented, he adjourned the meeting and the Board went into an Executive Session to discuss personnel matters. The next Buford Board of Education meeting will be on August 26, 2019, at 7 p.m. at the Buford City Schools Central Office located at 2625 Sawnee Ave.
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Friday, August 2, 2019
Buford’s rich history of excellence in education Alicia Couch Payne The City of Buford, once called the “New York of Gwinnett,” has always been a city ahead of its time. When Buford’s residents needed something and there wasn’t anyone available to provide it, like electricity, they started their own power company. The same applied to education. This year marks 150 years that a public school has been around and educating the children of Buford has always been a top priority for the city’s leaders. It all started in 1869 in a log cabin on the property of N.W. Buice off of Shadburn Ferry Road. The school at that time was only open for three months out of the year and had just 25 students taught by Mr. J.W. Mitchell. The next school building was erected in 1872 on the site of the old Pirkle home off of New Street, and Professor John Espy was the superintendent at the time. It was in 1873 when W. Robert Poole, an Emory graduate and the headteacher, implemented the first September to May school year. Before long, the school could no longer hold the ever-growing student population as the city continued to grow at a fast pace. The school that was referred to as the “Old Academy” opened in 1884 on Spring Street with Mr. H.D. Merriweather serving as the superintendent. The school shared the building with the Masonic Lodge who actually owned the title following financial difficulties. The Lodge used the upper level while for 20 years the school operated on the lower level. The African American population of the city received their first school in 1890 when a new school opened off of Shadburn Avenue. Mr. E.B. Broughton was the first principal of that school. In 1906, the school moved to Gwinnett Street with Mr. J.S. Morgan as the principal. This school burned and was moved to a building off of Bona Road. In 1900, W.N. Nunn was named as the first Co-Principal of the Academy. He became the Superintendent in 1909 until 1930, having served the children of Buford for over 30 years. Many of the high ideals
HISTORY
that the school system still holds were introduced into the schools by Nunn. Under Nunn, a new school that housed the grammar school, the high school, and an auditorium was built in 1906 near the cemetery. The school was a two-story brick building that served 150 students in grades 1-11. The auditorium was the cultural center of the city holding many plays, debates, and oratorical contests. By this time, attendance at school became mandatory for the children of Buford and truant officers were hired. The auditorium can still be seen standing proudly on the corner of Little Mill Road and Jackson Street. Following WWII, several new schools were constructed including a high school, a grammar school, and a gymnasium off of Hill Street. A football field was constructed off of Hill Street as well. Part of the football field and the gymnasium can still be seen on Hill Street behind the Community Center. By 1956, Buford schools had an attendance of just over 800 students. In 1963, the Grenard-Watson building was built off of Bona Road and was named after two influential African American residents. In 1969, the Grenard-Watson School and Buford High School became fully integrated. With the construction of North Gwinnett High School in the late 1950s, a campaign tried to consolidate Buford schools with Gwinnett County schools. The matter was voted on by the residents of Buford and was soundly defeated. The idea of consolidating Buford’s school system with Gwinnett came back around in the mid-1970s but was once again rejected. Buford would hold onto their independent school system. In 1977, where the Community Center sits, a new high school was built, the old high school became the middle school, and new classrooms were added to the elementary school. Less than twenty years later, the need for new schools brought forth the construction of the old high school building (now the current middle school) in 1990 off of Sawnee Avenue, as well as a new elementary school. The Academy building and the current Senior Academy (which was the old middle school) were constructed off of Robert Bell Parkway. By 2013, the student population was approximately 3,700. Over the past 40 years, Buford has become a school system that prides itself on excellence. The focus was expanded to cover not just academics but also encompassed excellence in sports and the arts as well. For a decade, Buford High School has ranked among the top 20 best high schools in the state according to US News Education. With the success of the school system in all
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In 1949, the new Bona Allen High School, which later became the middle school, opened on Hill Street. Photo - Museum of Buford
The center building was built in 1906 and at the time served 150 students. The only building left standing is the auditorium seen on the left. Photo - Museum of Buford
areas, Buford has continued to see steady growth and once again the need for a new high school emerged. After four long years, the new Buford High School located on Buford Highway is set to welcome the first students on August 7. It will open with just over 1,500 high school students but has been constructed to house up to 2,500 students. Hundreds of people gathered in the new school’s theater on July 28 to witness the official ribbon-cutting ceremony. The Buford City School System has entered into a new era with its five schools serving close to 5,000 students. Under the guidance of Superintendent Dr. Robert Downs and his staff, new generations of Buford children will receive the very best education and support possible. Buford’s rich tradition of excellence in education would not have been possible without visionary leaders over the years. From the very first city leaders to invest funds into the schools to the Allen family giving
The “Old Academy” opened on Spring Street in 1884 and the school shared the building with the Masonic Lodge for 20 years. Photo - Museum of Buford
both land and money to modern-day city leaders, each has been instrumental to the success of Buford schools. City leaders funded the schools but one cannot have schools without teachers. Buford has been fortunate in having some of the very best educators come through their doors. Lastly, the support from the residents of this city has shaped Buford’s school system into the number one school system in the state of Georgia. The future looks bright.
Amber Aiken Pelot Amber Aiken Pelot is a 2002 graduate of Buford High School. She is the youngest daughter of Bennet and Gail Aiken. Amber and her older sister, April attended Buford City Schools their entire K-12 career since their mother, Gail was a teacher at Buford High School for 30 years. Amber recalls looking up to her big sis growing up. April, a 1999 BHS grad, played sports in high school including basketball which she later went on to play in college at Valdosta State. To say that Amber was extremely active at BHS is an understatement. She lettered 12 times in four different sports. Amber played recreational league basketball starting at age five and played all four years at BHS. She was on the tennis and softball teams from the 9th grade up until the 11th grade. Amber was a trainer for the football team during her 10th through 12th-grade years as well as a statistician for the baseball team. All four years at BHS Amber was involved with the Bel Canto Chorus, Variety Shows, Class Council, National Beta Club, National Honor Society, Future Business Leaders of America, and Fellowship of Christian Athletes. Amber and her fellow classmate George Tucker had the distinction of representing Buford High School on the Gwinnett Student Leadership Team during her final three years at BHS. She graduated with a 4.2 GPA and was the Class of 2002 Valedictorian. Amber went on to the University of West Georgia where she graduated summa cum laude in 2006 with a double major in Economics and Finance. In 2006, she went on to enroll in a joint J.D./M.B.A. program between Mercer University (M.B.A.) and Mercer’s Walter F. George School of Law (J.D.). She graduated in 2009 magna cum laude from the law school earning her J.D. and at the same time graduated with a 4.0 GPA from the business school earning her M.B.A. During her time at Mercer, Amber was involved in the Association of Women Law Students and served as their Co-Presiden nt.
Whe re a re
She was on the Mercer Law Review where she was the Student Writing Editor. While at Mercer, Amber received several CALI awards which are given to the highest scoring student in law school classes. She also received the “Most Outstanding M.B.A. Student” award.
Since graduating from Mercer, Amber has become a successful real estate lawyer who is a Senior Associate at Alston and Bird’s Real Estate Finance and Investment Group in Atlanta. “I represent clients ranging from real estate developers to institutional investors in commercial real estate projects across most asset classes, especially mixed-use, multifamily, and industrial projects,” explains Amber.
y e th
? w o n
Amber said that she chose her profession because she has always been interested in law and really loves it. Ever since she was a little kid, she would watch every legal show she could find. She further developed that l ove working for a Buford attorney, Debra K. Greeson in high school and later in college in Carrollton working g for Tisinger, Tisinger, Vance & Greer. In her personal life, Amber married her high school sweetheart, Matt Pelot who works at The Westminster Schools in Atlanta as a Health and P.E. teacher and as the Offensive Coordinator of the varsity football team. Matt and Amber have two “high energy little boys.” Everett “Rhett” just turned five years old and Reid who will be three this month. True to being a Wolf, Amber continues to be actively involved in the community, as well as, her professional associations. Being the best mother and wife that she can be is her number one priority. Even though she no long ger lives in Buford, many of her friends are still in Buford and the city remains near and dear to her heart. Once a Wolff, Always a Wollf!
Friday, August 2, 2019
North Gwinnett Voice
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The new BHS officially open following ribbon-cutting ceremony Alicia Couch Payne BUFORD — The Buford City Schools and the City of Buford were proud to open the new $85 million Buford High School to the public during a two-day unveiling. Anyone and everyone showed up to see what all of the fuss has been about. The halls were filled with young and old each exclaiming how amazing the new school campus is. This has been over a four-year labor of love and it officially opened with the Ribbon-Cutting Ceremony that took place on July 28. Local elected officials and other dignitaries were on hand to witness this historic moment. The ceremony kicked off with Dr. Robert Downs, Buford City Schools Superintendent welcoming everyone. Rev. Sondra Jones gave the invocation followed by Bruce Fricks, Buford School Board Member led the attendees in the Pledge of Allegiance. A gorgeous rendition of the national anthem was performed by Joy, Alex, and Hope Fowler. Dr. Downs recognized Mr. Walt Murray for his outstanding 48 years of service to the children and staff at Buford City Schools. Mr. Murray served as the head custodian of the system. The audience got to their feet to give Mr. Murray a standing ovation. Buford Board of Education Chairman Phillip Beard gave a brief address recognizing those that had worked so hard to make this campus happen. He introduced some of the local officials and dignitaries. City Manager Bryan Kerlin also gave a few remarks about the new building, specifically thanking the Architect Doug Breaux, Charles Black Construction Company, and his staff at City Hall. Representing the Buford City Schools Board of Education were school board members Pat Pirkle, Beth Lancaster, Bruce Fricks, and Chairman Phillip Beard. Buford Commissioners Chris Burge and Brad Weeks, along with former Commissioner Michael Smith were also on hand to witness this historic moment. Neighboring leaders Suwanee Mayor Jimmy Burnette, Sugar Hill Mayor Steve Edwards, and Rest
Buford Board of Education Chairman and Commission Chairman Phillip Beard recognized the elected officials and dignitaries that were in attendance. Photo - David Hanks
At the end of the ceremony, Chairman Phillip Beard led the group of elected officials and other dignitaries in the ceremonial cutting of the ribbon declaring that the new BHS is open for learning. Photo - David Hanks
Haven Mayor Kenneth Waycaster joined the ranks of those celebrating with Buford. County Commissioner Marlene Fosque was the lone representative from Gwinnett County. State senators Renee Unterman and Butch Miller were in attendance and each spoke about their experiences in Buford. Senator Unterman spoke about the pride that she has representing Buford. She talked about Buford being all about family. The Buford High School Ensemble provided entertainment in between the speakers with the song “The Impossible Dream.” The keynote speaker, Senator Butch Miller was introduced by former Interim Superintendent Joy Davis. Senator Miller is the son of Dr. Miller and Mrs. Davis joked that some in the audience were probably delivered by
his father Dr. Miller. Senator Miller spoke about growing up in Buford as the son of Dr. Miller and what it was like to grow up in such a supportive environment such as Buford. Buford High School Principal Lindsey Allen gave the closing remarks saying just how honored he is to be the first principal of the new BHS and how his staff is up to the challenge of making a lasting legacy. Pastor Avery Head closed out the ceremony with a prayer. The elected officials and other dignitaries then did the ceremonial ribbon cutting with each snipping a piece of the ribbon to take home as a memento. Guests were invited to stick around for a delicious array of refreshments organized by Denise Simpson and her wonderful group of volunteers.
The keynote speaker for the ribbon-cutting ceremony was State Senator Butch Miller who is the son of the late Dr. Miller, the Buford doctor. Photo - Alicia Couch Payne
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Buford’s Evan DiMaggio is a leader on and off the football field
SPORTS
on football. Having grown up on the lake, fishing has long been a favorite past time of his and has capitalized on this by joining the school’s bass fishing team. Evan picked up wrestling in the 9th grade and has done quite well for the Wolves. He wrestles at the 220 lbs. weight class. Evan won his weight class at last year’s Mount Mat Madness Tournament in Baltimore and received second-team all-county honors. He also made it to the finals of the state tournament barely losing out on the title in the final match. Buford Head Football
Coach Bryant Appling said, “I definitely feel that his success in wrestling last year and his experience in a big moment (state championship match) will be a key asset for him as he leads our team this season.” Wrestling has made Evan more agile and has contributed to his mental toughness. “It’s just you on that mat and if you get in a bind, you can’t panic. It’s up to you to get yourself out of the situation,” stated Evan. With the start of the high school football season less than a month away, the Buford Wolves varsity football team has been practicing nonstop for the upcoming season. The Wolves are currently ranked no. 2 in the state’s class AAAAA preseason rankings just behind Bainbridge who knocked them out of the running for a state title last year. The Wolves will be looking to leaders like Evan to keep the momentum going throughout the season. “Evan has used this summer to develop into a leader on our football team,” Coach Appling commented. “While soft-spoken, he is highly respected among his teammates and coaches.” Coaches look to him to once again be the lead tackle for the team. When asked what makes him such an effective tackle, Evan said it is his size, physicality, sense of responsibility, and being able to zone in on his targets is what makes him excel at his position. He is not one to shy away from hard work and it shows with him having the most tackles for Buford in 2018. With a new coach having taken the helm for the Wolves football program, Evan believes that Buford is finally getting back to the fundamentals that made Buford so good in the past. Coach Appling demands that his players lead by example on and off the
football field. Mentoring the younger players, leading by example is extremely important to Evan and is a job he takes seriously. He said he tries to always hold everyone accountable on the same level whether the person is a senior or a freshman as Coach Appling has told the team to do. Recently, Evan announced his commitment to play football for Furman University in Greenville, South Carolina. He said it all started when Furman’s inside linebacker coach messaged him and brought him to the campus for a tour. Greenville, the Furman campus, residents, and the coaching staff made Evan feel like Furman was a place that he could call home. Evan works just as hard in the classroom as he does on the field. He is an A/B student with a 3.4 GPA. He takes mostly honors and advanced placement classes with AP History being his favorite. Coach Sean Gilbert who taught Evan in AP World History is the teacher that he said has been one of his favorite teachers during his time at BHS. Evan claims that Gilbert is a really good teacher who is an interactive instructor and one who really cares about his students even beyond his classroom doors. As the 2019 high school football season gets underway, look for Evan to set the tone for the defensive line for the Wolves. No doubt he will be aggressive right out of the gate. Evan is most looking forward to a rematch against Archer High School. He is looking for redemption as Archer handed Buford their biggest loss of the 2018 season. No matter how the 2019 season turns out, one thing is for certain, Evan will be there as a quiet leader among his peers carrying on the traditions of Buford.
been a force in the track and field world in Georgia for over three years. The sheer talent at Buford is undeniable. The overall high points winner at the 2019 GHSA State AAAAA Championships was Kimberly Harris. Harris, a rising senior at BHS, has been busy competing this summer at various track meets representing Jack Rabbit Track Club. Harris has been making an even bigger legacy this summer as she qualified and was ultimately selected to represent Team USA at the 2019 Pan American U20 Championships. She was asked to be a part of the 4 x 400-meter relay team. The Pan Am Championships were held July 18-21 in San Jose, Costa Rica. The United States was well represented in track and field at the games. Both the men
and women dominated many of the races, even broke a few records. The men’s 4 x 100-meter relay and 4 x 400-meter relay teams for the USA each broke the U20 World Record in their races. The USA’s women’s 4 x 400-meter relay team comprised of Alexis Holmes, Buford’s Kimberly Harris, Ziyah Holman, and Kayla Davis broke the U20 World Record by three seconds. The previous record of 3:27.60 held for 15 years until these four ladies ran a relay time of 3:24.04. The win and World Record in the 4 x 400-meter is the crown jewel in Harris’s large collection of achievements. Harris will defend her GHSA State AAAAA title for the last time in the spring. Congratulations to Harris and her fellow U20 Pan Am 4 x 400-meter teammates!
Kimberly Harris and the other members of the 4 x 400-meter relay team representing the U.S. set a U20 world record for their Pan American performance in Costa Rica recently. Photo - Alicia Couch Payne
Alicia Couch Payne I had the opportunity to sit down with Buford High School senior Evan DiMaggio recently at the new Buford High School’s Athletic Building. I sat across from a quiet guy who radiates calm confidence. Evan is expected to once again be the Wolves’ lead tackle this year, as well as, be a leader on the wrestling team. Evan is the middle child of Patrick and Nicki DiMaggio. His older sister, Ashley was a 2014 BHS graduate and recently graduated from the University of Georgia. His younger sister, Emily is a rising 8th grader at Buford Middle School where she loves cross country, chorus, and musical theatre. Evan and his siblings were raised at Lake Lanier in Buford. He attended West Hall until the 4th grade when he started attending Buford City Schools. Evan enjoys physical activity and has always played multiple sports. He started playing football for West Hall when he was six. During 4th grade, Evan began playing football for Buford. In the 8th grade, he stopped playing basketball to focus more
Buford’s Kimberly Harris helps set a world record at the Pan Am Championships Alicia Couch Payne SAN JOSE, COSTA RICA — The women’s track team at Buford High School has
Friday, August 2, 2019
Buford senior Evan DiMaggio is expected to once again be the lead tackle for the Wolves this year. Photo - Alicia Couch Payne
Friday, August 2, 2019 Eleanore Schietinger Clark, age 99, of Suwanee, GA passed away Tuesday, July 30, 2019. She was preceded in death by her husband of seventy-five years, Nelson Clark; son-in-law, Alan Campbell; grandson, Matthew Porter. Mrs. Clark is survived by her children, Lynda and Carl Porter, Suwanee, GA, Patricia Campbell, Tallahassee, FL; grandchildren, Jennifer McLaurin, and husband, Jeff, Dr. Meghan Campbell, and wife Dr. Gerry Kress, Emily Webster, Maureen Petri, and husband Griffin; great-grandchildren, Ryan Webster, Grayson McLaurin, Porter McLaurin, Rory Petri, James Petri; as well as nieces, nephews and cousins. She was born in Bridgeport, CT on April 11, 1920. Mrs. Clark was a 1938 graduate of Bassick High School and a graduate of St. Raphael Nursing School, where she received her R.N. degree. She was a member of Prince of Peace Catholic Church. Funeral services will be held Saturday, August 3, 2019, at 12:30 p.m. in the Chapel of Flanigan Funeral Home. Flanigan Funeral Home, 4400 S. Lee St., Buford GA 30518 John Hutchins, age 92, of Buford, GA passed away on Thursday, July 25, 2019. He was preceded in death by his parents, W. J. Hutchins and Vivian Jarrard Hutchins; and brother, Dr. Harry Hutchins. Mr. Hutchins is survived by his wife, Lucy Jones Hutchins, Buford, GA; brother and sister-in-law, Dorsey and Louise Hutchins, Winder, GA; sisters-in-law, Jannean Moore Jones, Buford, GA and Shirley Porter Jones, Sugar Hill, GA; beloved nephew and niece, Randy and Deanna Jones, Buford, GA; beloved niece and nephew, Jeanette and Vernard Cruse, Buford, GA; and other beloved nieces, nephews and cousins. Mr. Hutchins was born on June 27, 1927, in Buford, GA. He attended Buford High School and later graduated from Darlington High School in Rome, GA. Mr. Hutchins was a veteran of the Merchant Marines. He was a graduate of John Marshall Law School, LLB where he was a member of Phi Delta Theta Sigma Delta Kappa. He also attended the University of Maryland. John and Lucy Hutchins were married at Buford Presbyterian Church on March 4, 1953. Mr. Hutchins was a retired realtor and did sales and advertising. John and Lucy Hutchins were co-owners of
OBITS & SERVICES Hutchins Real Estate Company in Buford, GA. He authored several English books for the University of Georgia. He taught doctors in Maryland how to install contact lenses. He had also worked for the City of Winder in redevelopment and wrote the history of Winder, GA. He also was the author of Hutchins Guide to Bible Reading. Mr. Hutchins was elected to the State House of Representatives from Hall County in 1948. He was also a former legislator and was appointed public relations director and consultant. He was a fully accredited associate of San Francisco College of Chiropractic. Mr. Hutchins was a member of the Buford First United Methodist Church in Buford, GA. Funeral services were held on Sunday, July 28, 2019, in the Chapel of Flanigan Funeral Home. Rev. Wayne Johnson officiated. Interment followed at Broadlawn Memorial Gardens in Buford, GA. Flanigan Funeral Home, 4400 S. Lee St., Buford GA 30518
Thelma Porter Thrasher, age 93, of Buford, GA passed away Thursday, July 25, 2019. She was preceded in death by her parents, George W. and Mamie Ward Porter; sisters, Lona Roberts and Elsie Maddox; and brother, Lewis Porter. Mrs. Thrasher is survived by her husband of seventy-three years, Loyd Thrasher, Buford; sister, Lessie Teems, Cumming, GA; sister-in-law, Imogene Porter, Buford; brother-in-law, Bonnie Roberts, Buford; and several nieces, nephews, and cousins. Mrs. Thrasher was born on February 25, 1926, in Dacula, GA. She was a retired leatherworker from Bona Allen Company after twenty-eight years, and from Wofford Leather Company in Gainesville, GA after sixteen years of service. Mrs. Thrasher was a member of New Canaan Baptist Church in Lawrenceville, GA. Funeral services were held on Sunday, July 28, 2019, in the Chapel of Flanigan Funeral Home. Rev. Roland Jackson and Wendell Maddox officiated. Interment followed at Broadlawn Memorial Gardens in Buford, GA. Flanigan Funeral Home, 4400 S. Lee St., Buford GA 30518 Justin Andrew Todd, 25, of Buford, GA passed away Sunday morning, July 21st, 2019. Justin was born October 23, 1993, in Lawrenceville, GA
to Sabra Clymer. He grew up and attended Warner public schools in Warner, Oklahoma, and graduated in 2012 from Mill Creek High School in Hoschton, GA. One of four children raised by Jimmy and Sabra, Justin’s family fondly remembers the childhood years spent in Oklahoma. The family recalled all of the good times shared together camping, fishing, and four-wheeling. Justin loved spending time with his family and friends. His friends remember how much he enjoyed playing Dungeons and Dragons and being the Dungeon Master. His other interests included philosophy, politics, and going to music festivals. Music was a big part of Justin’s life and his favorite artists were Dio and Ozzy. He also liked playing video games and magic. His family recalled coming home at times and seeing all of the neighborhood kids gathered around the TV just watching him play video games. Justin was loved very much and will be missed by his family and all who knew him. Justin was preceded in death by his father, Jimmy Ray Clymer, grandfathers, Mark Pruitt, and Nathaniel Clymer; and aunts, Dayna Clymer and Lee Ann Clymer. He is survived by his mother, Sabra Clymer of Buford, GA; siblings, Hayley Clymer, Buford, GA, Joshua Clymer, Buford, GA, Nathan Clymer and wife Carrie, Murray, KY; grandmothers, Margie Pruitt, Carnesville, GA and Lois Clymer, Muskogee, OK; aunts, Lora Greene and husband, Dan, of Carnesville, GA, Lydia Pruitt, Carnesville, GA, Lisa Northrup and husband, Matt, Bataria, OH, Jennifer Area and husband, Clark, Buford, GA; uncles, Noah Pruitt and wife, Diane, Flowery Branch, GA, Cameron
Page 15 Pruitt and wife, Kelly, Lawrenceville, GA, Leon Clymer and wife, RaNalle, Broken Arrow, OK, and Franklin Clymer and wife, Diane, Muskogee, OK; seventeen first cousins; and numerous other members of the family. Funeral services were held on Sunday, July 28, 2019, in the Chapel of Flanigan Funeral Home. Pastor Kevin Jones officiated. Flanigan Funeral Home, 4400 S. Lee St., Buford GA 30518 E. Wayne Webber, age 82, of Buford, GA passed away Sunday, July 21, 2019. He is survived by his wife of fifty-three years, Fran Parker Webber, Buford, GA; brothers and sisters-in-law, Brian Webber, Buford, GA, Quentin and Betty Sue Webber, Camden, SC, Ava Parker Lee, Moultrie, GA; brothersin-law and sisters-in-law, Frank and Elaine Parker, Moultrie, GA, Kenneth and Barb Parker, Coopers Town, NY, Larry Parker, Seattle, WA, Donnie and Carol Parker, Blue Ridge, GA; special friends, Cam and Kelly Hackney and their children, Dusty and Jessica Cody; several nieces, nephews and cousins. Mr. Webber was born in Lyons, GA May 3, 1937. He was a 1956 graduate of Toombs Central High School, Lyons, GA. Mr. Webber was the owner of Apollo-Cunnard Pest Control Company, Tucker, GA. He was one of the founders/presidents of Certified Pest Control Operators Association of GA. Mr. Webber was a member of Sardis United Methodist Church, Buford, GA when the church was in operation. Graveside services were held at Harden’s Chapel Cemetery, Inc., Lyons, GA on Wednesday, July 24, 2019. Rev. Jarrell Lillard officiated. Flanigan Funeral Home, 4400 S. Lee St., Buford GA 30518
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