The year will be remembered for the devastating effects of COVID-19, which took the lives of some of our most-loved residents — including a larger-than-life chiropractor, a visionary developer and a man who lost his sight, but not his vision. As 2020 draws to a close, we remember the much-loved Golden Triangle residents we lost, some to the virus and some to other causes, in this difficult year.
John Acker, 48
Died March 31
Chairman of the Columbus Redevelopment Authority and long-time State Farm agent. Helped establish a redevelopment zone at Burns Bottom and was key in negotiating the sale of the long-closed Lee Middle School property. Active in his support of Heritage Academy.
Murry Anthony, 88
Died July 28
Much-loved member of Crawford community and the first Black supervisor elected from District 4 in Lowndes County (1992). A farmer, road-department supervisor and mentor in his community.
Roger Brown, 61
Died May 18
Known as “Roger The Dodger” in his days as a two-sport athlete at Lee High in Columbus. Became the Fort Worth Star-Telegram’s first Black sportswriter in 1987, later moving into sport talk radio and becoming an iconic figure in Texas’ sports journalism.
Dan Camp, 79
Died Oct. 25
One-term mayor of Starkville, but better known as “The Mayor of the Cotton District,” which he began developing in the 1980’s. Remembered as a visionary who brought broad recognition to his quirky, hip Cotton District development and an enthusiastic patron of the arts. COVID-19 victim.
Bobby Gale, 81
Died Aug. 29
Former Columbus Fire and Rescue chief, where he was instrumental in diversifying the department through the hiring of Black and women firefighters. Father of Todd Gale, general manager of Columbus Light and Water Department.
Jason Minor, 41
Died April 20
Starkville native and former church music minister who, after losing his eyesight, devoted his career to serving as a trainer at a Charlotte, N.C., Lions Services Inc. factory that specialized in employing the vision impaired, where his indomitable spirit provided encouragement to those he served. COVID-19 victim.
Mary ‘Ma’ Peek, 87
Died April 23
Sharecropper’s daughter whose cooking skills made her a legend in Columbus. Her commitment to her church and service to others over decades emphasized that a person’s station in life does not limit their value to their community.
Paul Veal, 63
Died Aug. 6
Much-loved and respected chiropractor in Columbus for 34 years. Known as a “gentle giant” for his enormous hands and his gentle touch, and always sunny disposition. Helped found Abundant Life Church and was an active, generous member. Loved to travel and fish. COVID-19 victim.
Carolyn Sullivan, 89
Died April 1
Known as “The Matriarch of Main Street,” continued to work at the store (Sullivan’s Office Supply, Inc,) she and her husband, Dan, opened on Main Street in Starkville in 1959 until shortly before her death. Known for her sense of style and her tireless support of the downtown Starkville business community.
Slim Smith is a columnist and feature writer for The Dispatch. His email address is [email protected].
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Quality, in-depth journalism is essential to a healthy community. The Dispatch brings you the most complete reporting and insightful commentary in the Golden Triangle, but we need your help to continue our efforts. In the past week, our reporters have posted 32 articles to cdispatch.com. Please consider subscribing to our website for only $2.30 per week to help support local journalism and our community.
You can help your community
Quality, in-depth journalism is essential to a healthy community. The Dispatch brings you the most complete reporting and insightful commentary in the Golden Triangle, but we need your help to continue our efforts. In the past week, our reporters have posted 32 articles to cdispatch.com. Please consider subscribing to our website for only $2.30 per week to help support local journalism and our community.
