Lions Club honors longstanding members

Contributed

Lion Danny Wilbanks, Lion Hank Golden and Lion James Bush were recognized in September for their years of service as a Lions Club International member. They were awarded the most prestigious Lions Club award, which is the Melvin Jones Award.  This honor is given to those who have exhibited the characteristics of: dynamic personality; heart-filled with kindness; leadership and organizational ability; a vision for their community; energetic and forward thinking. 

The award is named after Melvin Jones who was a dreamer, a doer and a practical person. He was an energetic, extroverted salesman who in private hours would reread Shakespeare. The Lions International Board of Directors officially designated Jones as the founder of Lions Clubs in 1958—more than four decades after Lions Clubs held its first meeting. But, no matter what his official title, Jones’ impact on the Lions has been far-reaching. He provided the leadership, the organizational ability, the tenacity and the muscle necessary to establish the foundation for Lions Clubs International to become what it is today.

(Left to right): Lion Brock Nolin (Tallassee Lions Club President 19-20), Lion Hank Golden, Lion Danny Wilbanks, Lion James Bush, Lion "Bubba" Bingham (Lions of Alabama District Governor, 34B)

The Lions Clubs International association has continued now into its 102nd year with the dedicated and selfless devotion of men and woman like these three men who received this award. The recipient’s names will be forever inscribed on a wall of fellow recipients in Oak Brook, Illinois at the Lions Clubs International Headquarters.

Dr. Danny Wilbanks, longest serving member at 53 years, Mr. Hank Golden with 31 years and Mr. James Bush with 25 years are to be congratulated for their longevity and dedicated service as a Lion to the Tallassee Community.