Cordele — During much of their Tuesday meeting, Crisp County Commissioners paid tribute to two retiring members and a former administrator. Resolutions were read honoring Commissioners James D. Harris and William Culpepper and Lester E. "Gene" Crapse who served as county administrator for 11 years before retiring in 2011.

In addition to the resolutions, individual current commissioners, past commissioners, family and friends had opportunities to make personal comments about each of the men.

Harris who has served as a county commissioner since 1985 was praised as a man who "has done what's right for the people of Crisp County," by Commissioner Clark Henderson.

James Nance, another fellow commissioner called him "resilient," a mentor and a man who remained steadfast in spite of illnesses.

J. R. Dowdy who already was a commissioner when Harris came on board said, "you were eager to learn and be a full-time servant when you came on. I wish you a long, happy retirement."

Another former commissioner, Ferrell Henry said, "you have been an inspiration to so many people."

Carl Gamble, the county's public works director, said Harris' service goes even further back as he also was a member of the city commission before being elected to the county board.

Crapse praised Harris' loyalty to his constituents. "He always spoke his mind, but he also sought the opinion of staff and voted in the best interest of the county."

A friend from the community, Arthur Parker quoted from an old hymn, “Hark, the voice of Jesus calling,” which asked the question, “Who will answer the call?” as  he described his relationship with Harris.

He further called the retiring commissioner a "pioneer on the north side of town." Harris, he said, has been a deacon for many years of Greater Morris Tabernacle Baptist Church, and "he's not retiring from church work."

While Culpepper has served on the commission just one six-year term, other commissioners talked about how he helped bring unity to the county and how he matured during his term of office. "You voted your conscience whether it was popular or not, and hopefully, you will have another opportunity to serve Crisp County in the future," Henderson said.

Gamble commented, "you stood up for what was right."

Culpepper's father, Johnny Culpepper called his son "an inspiration to me," and his mother said, "you have far exceeded any blessing I could have asked for. You are a good son, daddy and brother."

The young commissioner said, "it has been a pleasure to serve the people. Many times they just want you to listen." He and his family will be here for a long time, he added, and he plans to remain active in the community.

According to the resolution honoring Crapse, he "provided leadership for all employees and commissioners." During his tenure, the resolution stated, he established new personnel policies, and employee benefits significantly improved. He insisted on the highest level of service to the people as economically as possible, Sherrie Leverett continued, as she read the resolution she had composed.

Nance called Crapse "unselfish, courageous and extremely intelligent. He brought consistency and solidarity to county government.”

When he attended state meetings, Henderson said he learned how much Crapse was respected by his peers. "You have to earn that respect. You brought a heck of a lot to the table. If we had a disagreement, we always walked away friends."

Henry commented, "everybody doesn't like him, but they respect him."

From an employee's perspective, Tax Commissioner Cricket Adkins said Crapse always worked well with her. "Our jobs would be much harder without a good administrator." Several people including Adkins mentioned Crapse's relationship with his wife who recently passed away. "He and his wife were perfect examples of what love and respect should be," she said.

Gamble commented that Crapse always put people first. "You can't find a better friend or administrator."

The present county administrator, Tom Patton said, "this was one of the easiest transitions in my career because of Gene." He knew Crapse before he came to Crisp County, he said. "Thank you for everything you've done," he added.

An emotional Crapse was unable to say a lot after listening to all the comments about him and his wife. He did say, however, "if you give Tom the chance you gave me, he'll do fine."