Celebrating Lions Club Members Making A Difference In Tuscaloosa
Community service is the backbone of a progressive community. Lions Club International is one of a number of organizations that coordinate projects that fill that bill and benefit the Tuscaloosa, Northport communities. Among those who have helped make a difference for that organization and the community are Johnnie Aycock and Leroy McAbee,
Johnnie Aycock along with Tuscaloosa construction executive Leroy McAbee have been awarded the "Melvin Jones Fellow" for "Dedicated Humanitarian Service to the Lions Club International Foundation and the West Alabama community.
“What if these men,” Melvin Jones, one of the founders of the Lions Club asked, “who are successful because of their drive, intelligence and ambition, were to put their talents to work improving their communities?” (Melvin Jones quote from biography retrieved from http://www.lionsclubs.org/)
Aycock and McAbee have answered Jones' question time and again in the Tuscaloosa and Northport communities through their contributions in community organizations and business involvement.
According to the Lions International website, the Fellowship Award is the highest form of recognition and embodies humanitarian ideas consistent with the nature and purpose of Lionism. The recipient of this award becomes a model because of the exemplary service to their club and the community for which it serves.
Begun in 1973, every year, each Lions club may nominate one or more members who have provided service above and beyond the normal Lion commitment. The recipient for each club is provided a unique lapel pin, a handsome plaque, and a congratulatory letter from Lions Cubs International.
The fellowship program recognizes donations of $1,000 to Lions Club International Foundation for the global causes taken on by the Lions Clubs International Foundation of Diabetes, Childhood Cancer, Hunger, Environment, Vision, Disaster Relief, Youth and Humanitarian efforts.
Aycock was the longtime President and CEO of the Chamber of Commerce of West Alabama. He was actively responsible for the growth and strength of the area's business community during his tenure with the chamber.
He continues to give priority to community through the Lions Club and his weekday radio program "The Noon Show: The program, with co-host Lisa Jones, is unique, Aycock says, "We look for important stories that create awareness of what’s happening in the community, bring attention to causes and the vital work of nonprofits, emphasize the vast menu of activities available to the citizens, and issues that need in depth conversation," Aycock said. "We interview decision-makers, opinion-makers, and individuals making a difference in the community."
Leroy McAbee founded McAbee and Company in 1962, which under his leadership became one of the largest heavy industrial contractors in the Southeast. McAbee works closely with many organizations to promote West Alabama and bring industry and new business to the area. He has won numerous awards for his community involvement, including being inducted into the Alabama Business Hall of Fame. He is well known for his philanthropy,
The Leroy McAbee Activity Center and the newly built McWright's Ferry Road Bridge over the North River have been named after him (the bridge also shares his wife Ruth's name).
Both Aycock and McAbee have had profound positive impact on the community
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