From left, Bobby Douglas, former pastor for First Baptist Church in Columbus, Andrew Medore, grandson of Thomas Dayton Egger, and Greg Ballard, Egger’s nephew, unveil a commemorative version of the sign that now exists for the newly named “Dayton Egger Memorial Highway” Tuesday afternoon to a crowd of more than 60 at First Baptist Church in Columbus. The section of Highway 82 named for Egger begins at the Highway 45 intersection in Lowndes County and runs to the Oktibbeha County line. Egger was a sergeant in the Army that served during World War II and fought in a battle in France, where he lost the use of his legs. Afterwards, he returned to Columbus where he was noted for his home jewelry business and being a well-known community member, Medore said during the dedication. “It means a lot just to see the sign out there,” Medore said. “To know somebody beyond the family can recognize the contribution that he made not only to the world fighting in World War II but also to the community in Columbus.” Braden Simmons/ Dispatch Staff