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PO Box 843, Zebulon, Georgia 30295. You can donate through PayPal at the link on the bottom of the page. Becky Watts: Phone # 770-468-7583 editor(@)pikecountytimes.com
 
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City of Meansville Honors Tom Morton For His Service

MEANSVILLE - Late last year, Tom Morton was honored for his service by the City of Meansville. He has been a part of public service there for more than 23 years.

The proclamation praised Morton for dedicating his life to “public service and the public good” as well as serving with honor in World War II. It was also proclaimed that he exemplifies a servant’s heart with his involvement in civic organizations and in his concern for community affairs. And the proclamation advised all who read it that he has served the City of Meansville, Pike County, and other jurisdictions in a “commendable fashion” as an attorney. “…we are thankful to God for having blessed us with such a gracious and faithful example of Christian witness and public servant.”

The plaque was given Mayor Virlon Rachels, Mayor Pro tem Sandy Mitchell, and Council members Betty Bradshaw, Melvin Colquitt, Brittany Miller, and Janet Minter was presented to “Mr. Tom” (Thomas H. Morton) “In Grateful Appreciation” from The City of Meansville and reads as follows: “In honor of your dedication and service to the City of Meansville and Pike County, your military service during World War II, serving as city attorney for many years, leading and serving in numerous civic organizations, being instrumental in bringing the Nelson Memorial to Pike County and other accomplishments which are too numerous to be listed. Photos are courtesy of Rob Morton.

Mr. Tom has a long history of public service. He was born on May 29, 1922 to Lydia Ann Shuttleworth Morton and Russell Neely Morton in Fall River, Massachusetts and raised in New York City. He has attended and received degrees and certificates from Mercer University, the Walter F. George School of Law in Macon, Georgia, George Washington University, Judge Advocate General’s School, and the University of Southern California.

Morton served in the U.S. Navy from 1942-1045, TM2C and the U.S. Army from 1949-1955, Captain. He was involved with 5 major campaigns, 29 engagements with the enemy and holder of Eight Battle Stars World War II while in the Navy. He has also been honored with the following: Recipient of the Navy Ribbon of Commendation for Valor in the battle of Okinawa – WW11, Recipient of the Letter of Commendation – U.S. Army for negotiating an agreement with the French and Arab Governments for establishing Air Force bases in North Africa (was the sole US Attorney), Recipient of the Letter of Commendation - U.S. Army – Judge Advocate General’s School, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, Virginia, Recipient of the Letter of Commendation – U.S. Army for establishing the Procurement Division at the Judge Advocate Generals School. He also is the recipient of the following Campaign Ribbons: National Defense Service Medal, Asiatic – Pacific Campaign Medal, Philippine Campaign Medal, Good Conduct Medal, and the American Campaign Medal.

Morton went on to serve as the mayor of Downey, California for three terms, he has served the City of Meansville as their attorney, and he has served with his son Rob as attorney for the Pike County Commission for many years. He has handled legal matters in every state except Vermont and has also handled legal matters in Zurich, Switzerland, Canada and for a corporation in Japan.

Morton was honored by the Pike County Board of Commissioners on November 9, 2016 "for the service to our country, our community and his profession as well as the outstanding character he has displayed throughout his life.” Click here to see photos and read about this event in the county commission meeting.

He was also honored with the 2017 Saints in Light Award from Prayer Power of Georgia, Inc. as “someone who loves the community and loves helping people in the community that they come in contact with, and that love is an inspiration to others to do the same.” Click here to read this article in its entirety.

Morton was honored as the City of Zebulon, Georgia Citizen of the Year in December of 2019 and given a key to the city. He had recently turned 95 and still has a smile and a word of encouragement for those around him. Click here to read that article.

Pike County Times has interacted with Mr. Tom for a number of years at meetings on both the city and county level and has always listened carefully when he spoke because his years of service bring valuable knowledge to every meeting. His encouragement to others and love for his community are known far and wide and are to be commended. Many thanks to Mr. Tom for his friendship and all that he has done in our community.

2.27.21
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