NeSmith Named Lyons Citizen of the Year

Lyons Mayor Willis NeSmith Jr. was the guest of honor on Thursday, September 25, as he was named the 2025 Lyons Citizen of the Year.

During the recognition, NeSmith was championed for his servant leadership and focus on unity between local governments. When introducing him as the Citizen of the Year, 2024 Citizen of the Year Benny McLendon shared many stories and insights on NeSmith’s life, as he began by explaining that as a child, NeSmith loved the outdoors and playing with other kids in the neighborhood – but more than that, NeSmith always loved Lyons.

“He has dedicated most of his life to his hometown. Willis grew up in Lyons – a place he always loved deeply,” McLendon remarked. “He now strives to make his hometown a safe place to live and work.”

McLendon continued, “After high school, Willis attended Georgia Southern University, but his heart and responsibility soon called him back home. He stepped in to help the family business. He worked there until the company was eventually sold, which gave him the opportunity to take a new path. Today, Willis manages Zaxby’s in Vidalia, but his true calling has always been serving his continued from page

city. Willis began his journey in public service over 20 years ago when he was elected to the Lyons City Council. In 2012, he became mayor – a role which he has embraced with dedication and pride. In his years of leadership, Lyons has been seen as a scene of tremendous growth and change under his guidance.”

He complimented Ne-Smith on his work to improve the community and prepare the community for its future, as he said, “He set Lyons on a strong path of future development.”

“Perhaps one of his best accomplishments has been building a bridge between Lyons, Vidalia, and Toombs County,” McLendon added. “Willis has worked tirelessly to strengthen relationships within local governments, fostering collaboration that benefits our community. This spirit of teamwork and commitment to service was most evident when Hurricane Helene hit. As the community faced devastation, Willis stepped up and worked closely with officials in Toombs County and Vidalia to secure resources and recover. His steady leadership during the time reminded everyone that Lyons is at its best when neighbors come together to help one another.”

McLendon also celebrated NeSmith’s work outside of his position as mayor, as he shared that NeSmith was an avid blood donor, a frequent volunteer, a community leader, and a family man of faith.

“Willis has never limited his service to city hall – he’s been around the Lyons Lions Club and serves on the board of directors of Loving Lyons and Beyond. He has also served on the Toombs County Hospital Authority, the development authority, and the Chamber Board,” McLendon told the audience. “His faith has always guided him. For many years, he was a member of the Lyons United Methodist Church, where he served on numerous committees and was the Sunday school superintendent. Today, he is an active member of Connection Church, where he continues to pour his energy into serving others.”

“Willis is happiest when he is surrounded by his family. He built his life to be defined by service, leadership, and dedication, and has made a lasting impact on this community,” McLendon concluded.

NeSmith responded to the honor. “Thank y’all for this. I love Lyons and that’s because of the people. I am honored to live with you and beside you. This recognition means a lot to me,” he told the crowd.

City Manager Jason Hall presented Mayor NeSmith with the Key to the City, and reflected on his time working with Ne-Smith.

“When I took the role of the city manager of Lyons in 2013, I was fortunate to have one of my first conversations with Mayor NeSmith, and from the very start, it was clear how deeply Lyons and the surrounding community really resonated with him,” Hall recounted. “I remember vividly a moment when representatives from all three cities gathered with a common purpose. As the two mayors and county commissioner at that time walked into a state meeting together, a focus force emerged and there was a palatable sense of unity, making it impossible for those state leaders to argue with our logic. Even when that decision seemed to favor Vidalia more than the smaller city in the county, Willis reminded all three of them that when Vidalia succeeds, we all succeed, and in turn, when Lyons succeeds, we all succeed. This philosophy has become our foundation.”

He continued, “Throughout the years, I have had the privilege of engaging in many meetings alongside Willis, and his unwavering commitment to this core belief shines through.” Hall highlighted the work which NeSmith has done alongside the Toombs County Development Authority and Lyons Development Authority, as Hall shared that this work showcased NeSmith’s desire to continue improving the city.

”Mayor NeSmith is not just a bridge builder, but he is provided a lot of hope and healing that guides us towards united collaboration,” Hall emphasized. “I count it a privilege over the last many years to walk alongside him.”

Individuals are nominated by the community for the annual Citizen of Year award through anonymous applications. These applications are then reviewed by previous Citizen of the Year award recipients, who work together to determine the deserving candidate. The candidates are judged based on the information listed and the information gathered about them, as well as their contributions to the community to make the city a better place to live for all and their character.

In addition to the award presentation, the Lyons Citizen of the Year event also reflected on the Hurricane Helene recovery efforts that have been completed over the past year. The new “Toombs Strong” song and music video was debuted to attendees, and plaques of appreciation were given to linemen from Georgia Power and Altamaha EMC for their work to help restore lights to the community after the storm.

The Lyons Citizen of the Year event is held annually by the Lyons Lions Club, and serves as a core event within the city, as it celebrates leadership and service by local individuals.

Power with a plaque, thanking them for their service during Hurricane Helene recov ery.

Photo by Makaylee Randolph

THANKING ALTAMAHA EMC – During the Lyons Citizen of the Year Banquet, the Lyons Lions Club thanked Altamaha EMC linemen for their work during Hurricane Helene recovery.

Photo by Makaylee Randolph

2025 LYONS CITIZEN OF THE YEAR – Mayor Willis NeSmith Jr. (right) was presented with the Lyons Citizen of the Year Award by 2024 Lyons Citizen of the Year Benny McLendon (left).Photo by Makaylee Randolph

UNWAVERING LEADERSHIP – Lyons City Manager Jason Hall (right) told the audience several stories of the twelve years which he has worked alongside Mayor Willis NeSmithJr. (left), as he complimented NeSmith’s unwavering leadership.Photo by Makaylee Randolph

KEY TO THE CITY – City Manager Jason Hall (center) presents Mayor Willis NeSmith Jr. (left) with a key to the city after NeSmith was announced as the 2025 Lyons Citizen of the Year.Photo by Makaylee Randolph

THANKING GEORGIA POWER – The Lyons Lions Club presented lineman from Georgia