Superior Court Clerk Bruce Beggs, whose term expires December 31, 2008, was recognized for 24 years of service to the people of Lincoln County during a ceremony held Tuesday, December 16, at the Lincoln County Courthouse. Pictured following the ceremony are: (front row) Judge Harold Hinesley; Beggs; Walker Norman, county commission chairman; Judge Britt Hammond; (back row) Dennis Sanders, district attorney for the Toombs Judicial Circuit; Purnell Davis, retired superior court judge; and Chief Judge Roger Dunaway. Superior Court Clerk Bruce Beggs, whose term expires December 31, 2008, was recognized for 24 years of service to the people of Lincoln County during a ceremony held Tuesday, December 16, in the courtroom at the Lincoln County Courthouse.

Roger W. Dunaway, Jr., chief judge for the Toombs Judicial Circuit, presided over the proceedings, which came as a total surprise to Beggs.

As the clerk entered the courtroom, he received a standing ovation from the family members, friends, and colleagues gathered there.

Following the invocation given by Britt Hammond, juvenile court judge for the circuit, Dennis Sanders, district attorney, took the podium.

In his remarks, he said that Beggs is the one people call when something needs fixing or doing, particularly if it is something that does not fall into anybody's job description.

"He headed up the renovation of the courthouse; he was instrumental in the move to televise Red Devil football games and commission meetings; and he spent thankless hours working behind the scenes for the Olde Lincoln Towne Players."

Sanders went on to praise Beggs for going above the call of duty in his work as superior court clerk.

Speaking directly to Beggs, the district attorney said, "You have made my job so much easier and much more pleasurable — you've spoiled every one of us at the DA's office. All of us appreciate what you've done for almost three decades without us asking. Come January 1, we will all miss you because there's only one Bruce Beggs."

Following Sanders on the program was Walker Norman, county commission chairman.

"An era in Lincoln County history is coming to a close," stated Norman. "Bruce has served the county, his family, friends, and colleagues across the State of Georgia with respect and dignity. The hallowed halls of the courthouse won't be the same without Bruce Beggs. He has definitely made his mark in the history books of Lincoln County."

In other comments, the chairman noted that he could call on Beggs day or night. "He is the dearest friend I've ever had. God bless Bruce Beggs."

The next speaker was Judge Dunaway, who described Beggs as "a tremendous friend of the court and a personal friend of mine.

"I've depended on him, confided in him, sought his advice — though I haven't always followed it, and relied on his knowledge of the county and its people.

"He has been of great assistance to every county and state official, who ever came to the courthouse, and he has never refused to help anybody. It's sad to see him leave the court. He has served long and admirably."

The judge added that Beggs' community activities are legendary. "He is at the center of everything that takes place — not just in the courthouse but in Lincoln County as a whole."

Judge Dunaway then read a proclamation by the superior court thanking Beggs for "his absolute dedication and undying service to his community."

An excerpt from the proclamation is as follows: "Bruce C. Beggs has, in addition to his service to the court, a long history of public service, which includes working as a dispatcher, jailer, and eventually a deputy in the Lincoln County Sheriff's Office; a volunteer fireman; a former chief and member of the volunteer rescue squad; and an emergency medical technician."

He has "an equally impressive history of civic service, including chairman of the Lincoln County Bicentennial Commission, a founding member of the Olde Lincoln Towne Players, a charter member of the Lincoln County Optimist Club, chairman of the Lincoln County Library Board, a former director of the Lincolnton-Lincoln County Chamber of Commerce, a producer and on-air personality for numerous LC-TV productions, and a recreation league coach."

Next on the program, Superior Court Judge Harold Hinesley presented Beggs with a plaque in appreciation of the clerk's "24 years of loyal and dedicated service to the court and the people of Lincoln County."

Directing his words to Beggs, Hinesley stated: "I could always depend on you being there for me. You have certainly made my job a whole lot easier.

"I appreciate your friendship and all you have done for the court. Best of luck in the future. However, I don't think we've seen the last of you."

In his concluding remarks, Chief Judge Dunaway wished Beggs and his wife, Beth, all of the happiness in the world. "God speed, my friend. You will be missed."

He further commended Mandy Doss, deputy clerk, and Rindi Harbeson, assistant DA for Lincoln County, for organizing the recognition ceremony.

At this point, it was the guest of honor's turn to speak. He began by saying, "When I drove up to the courthouse and saw Judge Dunaway's car, I thought, 'What have I forgotten?'"

An overwhelmed Beggs then looked out at the crowd in the courtroom and said, "I appreciate the friendship and support, and I'll miss seeing you every day. Still, I'm not running away from home — I'll be around. It really has been a joy working with all of you. I appreciate you all being here today."

Beggs received a second standing ovation from those present.

Following the ceremony, refreshments were served in the lobby of t