Thomas Awarded Brotherhood Award

A capacity audience experienced the real meaning of “Brotherhood’’ recently at the Waycross Hebrew Congregation Synagogue when Waycross gentleman, civic and church leader Clay Thomas was honored with the “Morris Jacobson Award,’’ an honor gleaming with a multitude of accomplishments he has achieved.

The 48-year-old honoree Thomas was celebrated as “The epitome of what brotherhood is all about; he is a perfect choice for this award highlighting ‘National Brotherhood Week,’’ expressed Ronnie Jacobson of the Waycross Hebrew Congregation, one of the narrators for the occasion. “This honoree has given selflessly to the community that he loves. Many of his acts of kindness involve children with handicaps, but this person is a champion for all people who are disadvantaged, less fortunate or have disabilities.’’

Jacobson noted, “There are countless random acts of kindness and charity that this person is responsible for. Some of these acts are incredible, but he would truly be embarrassed if they were shared. This person has done none of these things in hopes of accolades.’’

The golden plaque for honoree Thomas glistened as he accepted the engraved honor from Jacobson. In return, a tearful, but most appreciative honoree commented, “I am the luckiest guy in town. I know it is easy to love the lovable people, but difficult to love the unlovable people.’’

Thomas chose to recognize his family, wife Brooke, son Banner, daughter Neeley and his mother Gloria Thomas. He praised his wife commenting, “I am thankful for her moral compass and her passion for teaching children of special needs.’’ He also thanked his business partner and the Jacobson family for “their heritage as the family has meant a lot to me for a long time.’’ His own family memories include the closeness with his grandfather the late Tom Gattis, wellknown Waycross community leader.There were the times when he fished with his grandfather, only to give the fish to people who needed them.

Thomas’ accomplishments were described, too many for this writing, but some include: Okefenokee Miracle League sports field (This league provides children and adults with special needs the opportunity to play baseball on an accessible baseball field for players with mobility issues) — Magnolia House (helping to raise money for this facility that helps empower victims of family violence.) — Okefenokee Fellowship of Christian Athletes. (This serves area students. Through their volunteering he and Kenny McCarthy became good friends and this resulted in his wife Brooke joining them and funding the Kenny McCarthy Scholarship given each year to a deserving student) — He and his family worship at Blackshear First Baptist Church. (He and his wife teach Sunday School and he is involved with the “In His Image Ministry’’ designed for children with disabilities — He has been interim pastor for several area churches) — His dedication to Camp Reville at Laura Walker State Park brings many accolades.

He has been a city commissioner, on the YMCA board of directors, president of Waycross Jaycees, president of Waycross-Ware County Chamber of Commerce, Waycross College James Dye Foundation Board, the fellowship of Christian Athlete’s board and served on the Baptist Village Ethics Committee. He is a graduate and supporter of Leadership Waycross Program and been the leadership Waycross graduation speaker.

In addition to his love of community in South Georgia, he has a special place in his heart and gives back to his alma mater Mercer University. Thomas has served on numerous Mercer boards and began the Mercer Scholarship for students in financial need. He also helped fund and train a service dog for the Roberts Academy School for Dyslexia at Mercer.

Vic Drawdy of the Waycross Hebrew Congregation, described the life of Morris Jacobson, for whom the awards program is named. Most interesting he told how Jacobson came to the United States at age 16 and obtained a horse and wagon in Cairo, to launch his life of serving others. He came to Waycross in 1922 with his wife Marie. “Honesty and brotherhood led to his helping others. He never refused credit to his customers when he operated Jacobson’s clothing store in Waycross for many years.

Many stories of brotherhood performed by Morris Jacobson are known including sharing of goods during World War II with other store owners. His family recalls that he loved to see the smiles on children’s faces when they wore their new shoes he gave them. ‘’We applaud the spirit Morris Jacobson left,’’ Drawdy said. “We honor good Samaritans of the community like Morris Jacobson.’’

Most impressive, the audience applauded speaker Rabbi Rich Luskin of Atlanta who stated, “Make things better than how we find them. Be confident and give of yourself.’’ His humor added to the impressive brotherhood talk. He has served as worship leader of Waycross Hebrew Temple Congregation for the past few years. In his invocation he commented, “Make this world a better place.’’

His third year to address this brotherhood occasion, the Rev. Dr. Bill Young, pastor of Sweat Memorial Baptist Church, commented, “Brotherhood begins with the fatherhood of God. We have the same father. Make a list of all the people you know and you will say ‘yes’ I will help my brother. We have the same Father. Join hands and know I am your brother, your sister. Let’s do good together.’’ He has pastored several local churches over the past 50 years.

A melodious congratulations in song was presented by members of the Ware County High School Advanced Choir, prettily dressed young ladies in black gowns and young men in black tuxedos, accented with golden bow ties. Director Christy Markette directed the talented group as they sang “Seal Lullaby’’ by Eric Whitacre and ‘Love’’ by Elaine Hagenberg. Carol Parker was pianist.

Vic Drawdy welcomed everyone and with a humorous flair, directed questions young choir members answered. He said greetings were sent by Mark Cohen who is president of the Waycross Hebrew Congregation. To climax a special occasion, the Sisterhood served a variety of refreshments in a reception.