Tournament benefits Georgia Sheriffs’ Youth Homes

Published 4:39 am Tuesday, December 6, 2005

DOUGLAS — Paul Jones is a product of the Georgia Sheriffs’ Youth Homes, a program organized under the Georgia Sheriffs’ Association that gives children from troubled backgrounds a new start.

“They are the source of all my success,” said Jones. “They’ve given me a life to live.”

Jones came under the care of the GSYH Boys’ Ranch in Hahira when he was 12. Now 27, and the survivor of two cancer operations, Jones has graduated from Valdosta State University with a degree in pre-medicine and has been accepted to the Mercer University School of Medicine.

“He is the epitome of perseverance,” said Bud Cody of the Georgia Sheriffs’ Association. That spirit of perseverance was on display Thursday at the 13th Annual Quick Change Golf Classic at Beaver Kreek Golf Course, the proceeds from which will go to the Youth Homes program.

“We are fortunate to be part of this charity,” says Norma Lynn Hand of Quick Change/Fletcher Oil. “This is something hometown, something local, and we really appreciate the support that our community has shown.”

The tournament kicked off at noon Thursday with 72 two-man teams donating $700 for the chance to compete in a two-man scramble competition.

Corporate and business sponsors, as well as dozens of Georgia sheriffs, turned up to contribute to the event and play in the tournament.

“We’re doing this for children that need a better background to grow up in,” said Coffee County Sheriff Rob Smith.

“I live about two miles from the Boys’ Ranch (in Hahira), and my sons have always been active in helping out at the Ranch,” said Ashley Paulk, Lowndes County sheriff and incoming president of the Georgia Sheriffs’ Association. “It’s important to my family and our community.”

At the end of the day, a check for $115,000 was presented by Norman Fletcher, owner of Quick Change/ Fletcher Oil, to Beth Tillman and Bud Cody, representatives of the GSYH, which operates four youth facilities across the state.

“This is a good cause,” said Fletcher, “and we’re happy to help our friends.”

The tournament was preceded by a fish fry Wednesday night at Fletcher’s home to honor all of the contributors and sponsors of the event.

Supporters of the GSYH, including Lt. Gov. Mark Taylor, gathered to honor the sheriffs that run the Boys’ Ranches and the altruism shown by the Georgia business community.

“Our children can make it as long as they have a stable environment and direction, and it’s in this way that thousands have been touched by the work done in the Georgia Sheriffs’ Youth Homes,” Taylor said.

“We just take in kids that have had a tough life, most of them referred by the Department of Family and Children’s Services,” said Cody.

Paul Jones is one of the GSYH’s greatest success stories, and he plans to return to Hahira after completing medical school to start a family practice. He plans to offer free medical care to the boys at the GSYH ranch.