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On Tuesday, the LaGrange-Troup Chamber of Commerce presented the 2022 Richard English, Jr. Lifetime Achievement Award to Greg Hall for his three decades of service to Troup County.

Hall was originally supposed to be presented with the award that the Chamber’s Chairman’s Gala on Jan. 12, but the tornadoes that touched down in LaGrange caused the event to be postponed until the next day. Hall still wasn’t able to attend the event because he was still dealing with damage caused to his home by the storm.

Nearly a month later, Chamber President Connie Hensler and now Past Chair Jamey Jackson presented Hall with the award.

The award was established in 2021 to honor the memory of longtime Troup County Commissioner Richard English for his dedication to the community.

English is the longest-serving commissioner in the state of Georgia and the first African American to serve on the Troup County Board of Commissioners. He served as chairman of the Community Action for Improvement (CAFI) board for 35 years and was the chairman of the FEMA board of the emergency food and shelter program for 38 years.

During his 43 years of public service to Troup County, English was an active member of the American Legion Post 75 and the 100 Black Men of West Georgia.

“Richard served our citizens with integrity, candor and grace,” Jackson said. “We will never be able to thank him enough.”

Hall is an especially deserving individual to be given the award in English’s honor, said Jackson.

Hall followed in the footsteps of English when he became the manager of the William J. Griggs Recreation Center in 1992. Hall worked at the center until he retired two years ago.

While managing the Griggs Center, Hall led mentorship programs and helped numerous students get into college by writing letters of recommendation, contacting college coaches on their behalf and even seeking scholarships, said Commission Chairman Patrick Crews.

Not only did Hall support the youth of Troup County and LaGrange, he also encouraged and supported senior adult fitness with track teams for youth and walking groups for older adults.

Hall encouraged everyone to stay active and fit, said Crews.

“Greg Hall is a coach, a father figure, a friend and most importantly a mentor in the community that he served and continues to serve,” Crews said.