Remembering Commissioner Carl Pennamon

Carl Pennamon Memorial Parkway at Georgia Pacific Road was dedicated in a ceremony Saturday attended by the late county commissioners family and many friends and associates.

The program began with a welcome from County Commission Chairman Bruce Henry, then the invocation was given by Reginald E. Jacobs, pastor of St. James A.M.E. Church which Mr. Pennamon attended.

Commissioner Don Jernigan gave a tribute to Mr. Pennamon said he was a good man and he cared so much about his community. He said that Mr. Pennamon loved people so much that he sacrificed his time to make our lives better. “Carl was a public servant.”

State Rep. Susan Holmes talked about how positive Mr. Pennamon was, and she said he had great ideas and was not afraid of work. “Carl had vision,” said Mrs. Holmes. Carl loved God, family, Monticello and Jasper County.

Development Authority Director and friend of Carl’s David Dyer quoted Micah 6:8, saying it is a description of leadership that was a perfect description of Carl Pennamon. He was a man of is word, and a man that could be counted on, said Mr. Dyer. He spoke of the sage advice that Mr. Pennamon offered, and he thanked his family for sharing Mr. Pennamon with the community.

Monticello Mayor Bryan Standifer talked of Carl being a steward of the community and said he was for bringing us all together. “We’re all one,” said Mr. Standifer.

Steve Jordan, who served on the Four County Joint Development Authority (JDA) with Mr. Pennamon for many years, talked about their time together. He said Carl did a tremendous amount for equality. He stressed that we all need to learn to love each other.

County Commissioner Sheila Gantt-Jones, who is serving as District 1 Commissioner since Mr. Pennamon died, said of Mr. Pennamon hat he was an advocate for all people.

The family gathered for the unveiling of the sign, and afterwards, Mr. Pennamon’s window, Valerie, made a presentation to the county. She presented Mr. Henry with a shadow box holding one of Carl’s work shirts that had his name on his chest, and the Jasper County logo on the other side.

Commissioner Henry thanked her for the gift, and said it would be proudly displayed. The road was re-opened after the ceremony.

Members of the Pennamon family pictured with the sign include (left to right) Carnethia Pennamon, Valerie Pennamon, Dwan Pennamon, Victoria Pennamon, and Derrick Pennamon.