Past Presidents Turn Out for Reception, Dinner
By Vee Daniel, Director of Meetings and Membership

What a wonderful night was shared by all that attended the HBA of SC Past President reception and dinner recently. The night started as everyone congregated around the table looking at old photos and reminiscing about old times. It didn't take long for everyone to warm up and all you could hear were laughs and stories being shared.

Tom Markovich (2004) brought a wonderful DVD that was displayed up on the new Board Room television. I thought it was funny when looking for old pictures to find a large Wild Turkey liquor box in the storage area and inside where all the old photos. It seems very typical that there just happened to be a liquor box laying around about the time to pack up old photos.

It was so wonderful to see the faces of those that haven't had a chance to see the newly renovated office and how impressed they were. I can remember how slow Bill Fishburne (2001) walked up the stairs and enjoyed taking in all the newness. We chatted about when we were actually scared to even walk up the old stairs.

It didn't take long and the hour reception flew by, but before everyone headed to dinner, Keith Smith (2007) handed out two gifts to the oldest (by year) Past President in attendance and another for the one that drove the longest distance. Thomas Bagnal (1963 & 1964), the first HBA President, and Paul Pack (1988) drove from Tennessee, and as you can see from the photo they both seemed to enjoy their gifts.

Keith Smith (2007), what a wonderful idea to get the Past Presidents together and Mark Nix for making it happen. Thanks! After the reception, the guys headed to dinner and thanks to Julian Barton and Earl McLeod for helping to tidy up. Thanks to Kim Halter, Brandie Freeman and Kevin Shelton for helping with the food and set up in our short time allotment.

Attached our some photos for everyone to enjoy. Included in the group photo on the first row is Paul Pack '98, Thomas Bagnal 63 & '64, Colin Campbell '98, Keith Smith '07, Bugsy Graves '06, Lincoln Privette '89 and Bill Fishburne '01. Back row - Marc Ellis '03, Andy Anderson '85, Buck Roberts '81, Bob Lane '76 & ' 77 John Watkins ' 70 and Tom Markovich ' 04. Not pictured - Dan Rawls ' 02. Dan wasn't able to make reception but came to the dinner.

Thank you to all of you that attended the memorable night! Thank you to all of you that called or emailed your regrets. You were all very much missed!

There are eight Past President deceased so take prayer time to remember Dwight Grimsley ' 65, Charles Branham ' 66, Glynn Lindsey ' 69, Marion Gandy, Sr. ' 71, James Hendrix ' 72. Garlon Kelly ' 79, Quenton Wood ' 93 and Ed Burgess ' 94.