Mike Smith Named Lavonia 2013 Volunteer of the Year
The City of Lavonia has a new Volunteer of the Year.
Ty Cobb Regional Medical Center General Surgeon Dr. Stuart Babcock announced that this year’s recipient of the 2013 Margaret Ayers Award for Civic Health is Mike Smith.
A special reception was held for Smith Thursday evening at the Lavonia Train Depot by members of the Lavonia Clinic and the Northeast Georgia Regional Medical Associates.
In making the presentation, Dr. Babcock noted Smith’s service to the community and his dedication to God and his family.
“He is someone who is selfless and a humanitarian,” Babcock said. “He’s a native of Lavonia and small business owner. He’s a volunteer with Habitat for Humanity, a former deacon in his church, he visits the sick and shut-in as a personal ministry, he’s an itinerant pastor when needed and a faithful husband, father and grandfather.”
As he came up to receive the award, Smith said he was totally caught off guard.
“People have been trying to get me to come tonight and I tried to say I had something else to do,” Smith joked. “I’ll tell you this, I’m not worthy of this honor.”
Smith praise Ayers for her example of community dedication and said he admires and respects her as a leader in the community.
“Margaret is an awesome lady and I admire her so much. She’s done a lot of great things and God has really anointed her,” he said.
Smith is the 10th recipient of the Margaret Ayers Award, which honors a Lavonia citizen each year for their volunteerism and service to the community.