Tift County Commissioner Dies

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Tuesday, May 13, 2025

Tifton, Georgia

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LONGTIME TIFT COUNTY COMMISSIONER

'BUCK' RIGDON DIES

By FRANK SAYLES JR.

Tifton Grapevine

Longtime Tift County Commissioner Fred Warren "Buck" Rigdon Jr., 76, of Tifton, died Monday at Harmony at Savannah, an assisted living facility.

Rigdon, a Tifton native, was just re-elected in November to a sixth term on the Tift County Commission, where he had served for more than 20 years.

He received his bachelor's degree from Berry College and his law degree from John Marshall Law School in Atlanta. He was admitted to the Georgia Bar in 1976.

A lawyer with the Tifton firm of Rigdon & VanOrman, Rigdon had worked with the district attorney's office and was a juvenile judge for more than 20 years before running for the County Commission seat.

"He was very passionate about giving people a chance. He wanted the best for every kid," said his brother, Dr. Steve Rigdon of Tifton.

Buck Rigdon also spent years as a volunteer coach for little league teams and church groups. "Coaching was a huge part of his life," his brother said. "He loved friendly competition."

As a county commissioner, Rigdon worked behind the scenes for cooperation between the city and county.

"He always wanted the best for our city and our county," Steve Rigdon said. "He worked to help build a community of which we all could be proud."

Rigdon became ill last fall and went to Savannah for rehabilitation but his condition worsened. He died peacefully, his brother said.

"He was the world's best brother."

A memorial service will be 10:00 a.m. Friday, May 23, at St. Anne's Episcopal Church in Tifton.

BARRICADED MAN, POLICE EXCHANGE GUNFIRE IN POULAN

By FRANK SAYLES JR.

Tifton Grapevine

Georgia Bureau of Investigation agents are investigating an incident Sunday night in Poulan during which a man barricaded himself in a house and gunshots were exchanged with police.

The suspect, Jordan Wheatley, 33, of Poulan, apparently shot himself in the head during the standoff, authorities said. No officers were injured.

Preliminary information indicates at about 8:10 p.m. Sunday, Worth County 911 received a call for assistance regarding a domestic incident in the 100 block of Hickory Street. A Poulan Police Department officer responded and requested a backup unit. When the Poulan officer arrived, the man fired shots toward the officer in the patrol car, the GBI said.

The officer requested additional assistance and multiple law enforcement departments responded. The suspect saw a Worth County Sheriff’s deputy outside the home and shot at the deputy, who returned fire; the suspect was not hit, the GBI said.

The suspect then barricaded himself inside a bedroom. Worth County SWAT officers entered the home and found the man inside a bedroom with an apparent gunshot wound.

He was taken to a local hospital for treatment.

The GBI is conducting an independent investigation.

EXCHANGE CLUB GIVES GOLDEN DEEDS AWARD TO JUDGE HERBY BENSON

Tifton Grapevine Staff Reports

The Exchange Club of Tifton has presented its Book of Golden Deeds Award to Tift State Court Judge Herby Benson.

Pictured is Benson, left, receiving the award from Exchange Club President Levetta Jefferson.

For 72 years, the award has been a cornerstone of the Exchange Club's mission — recognizing those in in the community who give of themselves without expectation, who lead by silent example, and who devote their time, talents, and hearts to bettering the lives of others.

As the state court judge, Benson is said to lead with empathy and innovation, most notably through establishing the DUI/Drug Court. This program offers people struggling with addiction a path toward accountability, healing, and a second chance. The court recently received the Model DUI Court designation, an acknowledgment of a program that positively affects countless lives.

Benson also has been instrumental in creating and growing Oasis Recovery Community Organization, which is Tifton’s first and only Recovery Community Organization. Oasis now provides critical support and resources to individuals and families affected by addiction. Whether helping secure funding, coordinating services, or ensuring life-saving tools such as free Narcan being accessible across the community, Benson "does the work quietly, humbly, and tirelessly," the Exchange Club said.

Beyond his professional contributions, Benson is recognized as a dedicated father, grandfather, coach, and mentor. Many in the community remember his early days as sports editor of The Tifton Gazette, or his leadership in youth athletics, coaching softball, supporting local baseball, and encouraging kids both on and off the field.

These days, he invites fourth-graders into his courtroom every year for mock trials, aiding youth with civic understanding.

The Book of Golden Deeds Award is the Exchange Club's longest-running program. In 2013, the award was named in honor of Helen Rainer, a beloved club member who led a life of selfless service.

Tift County High Principal Jennifer Johnson, left, presents the Teacher of the Year Award to Lisa Norman.

TCHS NAMES TEACHER OF YEAR

Tifton Grapevine Staff Reports

Lisa Norman has been named Tift County High School’s Teacher of the Year.

Norman is a member of the school's special education department and serves with geometry classes at TCHS.

The school said Norman is recognized for her "hard work, dedication, and genuine care for every student she teaches. She goes above and beyond to ensure her students feel supported, challenged, and set up for success — both in and out of the classroom."

LOCAL HIGH SCHOOL STUDENTS CONGRESSIONAL ART WINNERS

Tifton Grapevine Staff Reports

The office of U.S. Rep. Austin Scott, R-Tifton, recently hosted a reception at the Syd Blackmarr Arts Center in Tifton celebrating participants in this year's Congressional Art Competition.

Kaylee Moore from Cook County High School received first place for her painting "Mirror Mirror."

Kaylee's painting will hang in the U.S. Capitol for one year alongside the winning artwork from every other Congressional district.

The second-place winner was Claire Reeves from Tiftarea Academy for her painting "Serenity in Blue."

Lowndes High School student Emerson Shiver received third place for her piece "Silent Drum" and also won the People's Choice Award competition on Rep. Scott's Facebook page.

The People's Choice artwork will also go to Washington, D.C., and hang in Scott's congressional office for a year.

The local competition was open to high school students in Georgia's Eighth Congressional District.

TIFTAREA ACADEMY'S SENIORS

PREPARE FOR FRIDAY'S GRADUATION

Tifton Grapevine Staff Reports

Tiftarea Academy in Chula recently celebrated its annual "Almost Alumni Day" for graduating seniors.

The seniors, donning T-shirts and other apparel denoting the colleges and universities they plan to attend following graduation, march through the school as lower grades applaud.

Tiftarea Academy will hold its senior graduation ceremony at 6 p.m. Friday at Tifton First Baptist Church.

TIFTON GRAPEVINE'S CAT OF THE WEEK

"Pixie" is a cute, six-week-old kitten just hoping to go home with you. If you're looking for a kitten, this kitty hopes you'll "pick Pixie" or her identical sibling "Dixie." Visit Pixie and see other pets available for adoption between 1-6 p.m. Mondays through Fridays at the Tift County Animal Shelter on Highway 125 South, or call 229-382-PETS (7387).

CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

ORGANIZED IN TIFTON

~ MAY 11, 1910

During what was called "an enthusiastic meeting" on May 11, 1910, the Chamber of Commerce was formed in Tifton. C.W. Fulwood was elected president; E.A. Buck, vice president; and W.W. Banks, second vice president. The Chamber's Board of Governors were Chairman H.H. Tift, E.A. Buck, W.H. Hendricks, W.W. Banks, C.L. Parker, J.J.L. Phillips, J.L. Herring, L.P. Skeen, C.C. Guest, Briggs Carson, J.J. Golden, B.W. Mills, W.S. Cobb, John W. Greer, and I.W. Myers.