District 18-D

District 18-D was organized in 1947 when Multiple District 18 was reorganized from three Districts to four Districts. Past District Governor W. E. Andrews was the first District Governor. In 1950 District 18-D had 30 Lions Clubs with a total membership of 1,382 members. Many outstanding Past District Governors from District 18-D continued their service to Lionism by serving in higher office. Five of these outstanding Lions served as International Directors: Joe Davis, who served as District Governor in District 18-A, 1966-68: Past District Governor Edwin Daniel 1979-81: Past District Governor John Pearce 1983-85: Past District Governor W. Myers Banister 1988-90; and Past District Governor Buddy Ouzts 2001-03. Five of the Past district Governors from District 18-D have served as President of the Georgia Lions Lighthouse Foundation: Past District Governors, Bob Mathews, Joe Davis, Willard Kimsey, Ken Massingale, and Donald Hardigree. Past District Governor Thois Masters served as President of the Georgia Lions Camp for the Blind.

The following is a brief history of the service of the Past District Governors from District 18-D.

Joe B. Davis (Pauline)

1947-48

Past District Governor Joe Davis joined the Decatur Lions Club in April of 1938. He served his club in many capacities, including President, Broom and Mop Chairman, Light Bulb Chairman for 10 years. He served the District as District Governor in 1947-48 and Lions International as International Director for 1966-68. Other Offices held include President of the Lighthouse 1962-64, President of the Past District Governors Association, and numerous State Committees. During his term as President of the Lighthouse, the Lighthouse Trust Fund was established and the Eye Donor Program was started with a grant of $75,000.00. PDG Davis was the recipient of many awards and special recognitions, including the International President's Award and the Melvin Jones Fellow Award.

Edwin M. Dyer (Jeffie)

1956-57

Past District Governor Edwin Dyer joined the Decatur Lions Club in November of 1944. PDG Dyer served his club in many capacities and served as President in 1953-54. He earned the Senior Master Key in 1954. Other service includes District Zone Chairman, Deputy District Governor, Director of the Lighthouse, Peach Bowl Director, and he served as State Lion Tamer from 1952-1955.

Willard Kimsey (Marian)

1958-59

Past District Governor Willard Kimsey joined the Toccoa Lions Club in October of 1952. He served in all the offices of his Club. Within the District he served as Zone Chairman, Deputy District Governor, District Governor, and in many other capacities. On the State level, he served as President of the Lighthouse, President of the Past District Governors Association, and on many State Committees. PDG Kimsey is the recipient of many awards and special recognitions.

Roland K. Weekley (Gwendolyn)

1963-64

Past District Governor Roland Weekley first joined the Bristol, Virginia Lions Club in 1931. He later joined the Decatur Lions Club in 1951. He served the Bristol Lions Club as Secretary from 1934 to 1937. His service to the Decatur Club includes Tailtwister, Vice President and President. He served the District as Cabinet Secretary for Governor Edwin Dyer, 1956-57, was Zone Chairman, and District Governor 1963-64. PDG Weekley was Chairman of the Council that year and served as Council Advisor 1964-65.

Don Enzmann (Muriel)

1970-71

Past District Governor Don Enzmann first joined the International Falls, Minnesota Lions Club in May of 1954. He was its Charter President. This was truly an International Club, since it was sponsored by a club in Canada. PDG Enzmann could also be called a national Lion, since he held membership in several Lions Clubs in several states. Among these are the  Sir Walter Lions Club of Raleigh, NC, Brookville Timber Lake Lions Club, Lynchburg, VA, La Vista Lions Club, GA, and Henderson Mill Lions Club, GA. He served as Zone Chairman and District Governor of 18-D, and was Council Chairman. He was Charter Tailtwister of the North East Columbus Lions Club, Columbus, Ohio and is now a member of the Union County Lions Club, Blairsville, GA. He has attended Lions Conventions and other Lions functions in more than 50 countries. He is the recipient of many awards including the Senior Master Key Award, five International Extension Awards, and is a Life Member.

Dr. Irving Hellenga (Myra)

1971-72

Past District Governor Irving Hellenga joined the Toccoa Lions Club in 1953. He served as Club Song Leader and was President of the Club in 1961-62. He served as District Governor in 1971-72 and was Drug Awareness Chairman in 1988-89. He also served as Youth Exchange Chairman 1970-71. PDG Hellenga continues to be active and is the recipient of many awards and special recognitions.

Kenneth R. Massingale (Genie)

1977-78

Past district Governor Ken Massingale joined the Decatur Lions Club in January of 1971. He served his Club as 100% President for two years 1972-73 and 1973-74. He served his District as Deputy District Governor 1974-75 and District Governor 1977-78. On the state level he served as Lighthouse Secretary 1978-79, and Lighthouse President 1979-82. He was State Historian from 1980 to 1987, and currently serves as State Used Eye Glass Chairman.

David Sargent (Sarah Helen)

1978-79

Past District Governor David Sargent first joined the Gainesville Lions Club in October 1969, where he served as President 1975-76. He served as Guiding Lion for the Lanier Lions Club and Liaison for the Queen City Lioness Club. In 1985, PDG Sargent transferred to the Clermont Lions Club. In addition to serving as District Governor, he has served his District on such committees as Long Range Planning, Lighthouse, LCIF, Public Relations, and as Vice President and President of the Georgia Lions Lighthouse Foundation. He served the Lions at the state level as Peach Bowl Director 1981-85, Treasurer of the Lighthouse, Assistant Treasurer of the Lighthouse, Secretary of the Long Range Planning Committee, Peach Bowl Support Committee, Eye Bank Trustee 1981-85, Chairman of the USA/Canada Forum 1984, Chair of Sate Lions Convention (Gainesville, 1991). He is the recipient of many awards and special recognitions, including the Tom Bingham Award, 100% President, 100% District Governor, Extension Award, International President's Award, and the Master Key Award.

John F. Pearce (Carolyn)

1979-80

Past District Governor John Pearce joined the Dahlonega Lions Club in September of 1970. He has served his Lions Club in many capacities, including Board of Directors, Tailtwister, Vice President, and as President 1974-75. His District responsibilities have included Committee Chairman 1975-77, Zone Chairman 1977-78, Deputy District Governor 1978-79, District Governor 1979-80, Cabinet Advisor 1980-81, Membership Development Chairman, and Long Range Planning Chairman for four terms 1986 to 1990, New Member Orientation Chairman 1988-90, and many others. On the state level he has served Lionism as Council Chairman 1979-80, Council Advisor 1980-81, Chairman of the Long Range Planning Committee 1980-81, and as Vice President of the Georgia Lions Lighthouse Foundation 1981-83. He served as International Director 1983-85. He served on the USA/Canada Lions Leadership Forum's Leadership committee, and was chairman for the Lexington, Kentucky Forum. PDG John also served on the President's Advisory Committee and was Chairman of the District Governors Elect School in Boston, Mass. in 2006. PDG Pearce's list of awards and special recognitions is long and impressive, including the International President's Award, Ambassador of Good Will Award, the Melvin Jones Fellow Award, and many more.

Donald R. Hardigree (Doris)

1980-81

Past District Governor Donald Hardigree joined the Winder Lions Club in May of 1970. He has served his club in every office at least once. In addition, he served this District as 100% Zone Chairman, 100% Deputy District Governor, and was 100% District Governor. He also served the district as Cabinet Advisor, Membership Development Chairman, Lioness Club Chairman, Extension Chairman, Parliamentarian, and District President of the Past District Governors Association. On the Multiple District level he has served as Vice-Chairman of the Council, State Lion Tamer (two terms), Co-Chairman of the State White Cane Committee, Vice President and President of the Georgia Lions Lighthouse Foundation, member of the Peach Bowl Committee, and as President of the Past District Governors Association. PDG Hardigree has received many awards, including 100% District Governors Award, International Extension Award, International President's Award, International Club Secretary Award, Melvin Jones Fellow Award, International Key Member Award, 20 year Perfect Attendance Award, Lighthouse Appreciation Award, Peach Bowl Award, Eye Bank Appreciation Award, and Ivan Jackson Award (Best Membership Program). Sub-District Awards include District Governor's Appreciation Award, Extension Award, 100% Secretary Award, 100% President's Award, 100% Membership Development, 100% Lioness Club Chairman Award, 100% White Cane Chairman Award, Parliamentarian Appreciation Award and Cabinet Advisor's Award.

William Myers Banister (Fran)

1981-82

Past District Governor Myers Banister joined the Towns County Lions Club in October 1970. He served his Club as Director, Secretary, Treasurer, and President. He served his District as Eye Bank Chairman, and Director of the Lighthouse. On the Multiple District Level he has served as Director of the Lighthouse, Long Range Planning Committee, and as Cabinet Advisor. He has also served Lionism as Director of the Eye Bank, Council Chairman, Chairman of the Long Range Planning Committee, and as Co-Chairman of the State White Cane Committee. PDG Banister was elected International Director for a two year term, 1988-90.

Millard F. Havener (Georgianna)

1983-84

Past District Governor Millard Havener joined the Athens Lions Club in November of 1972. He is also a member of the St. Petersburg Breakfast Lions Club during the winter months. He served the Athens Club as President in 1977-78, as Secretary 1978-86, and was Club Bulletin Editor for several years. On the District level he has served as 100% Zone Chairman, 100% Deputy District Governor, 100% District Governor and as District Long Range Chairman. He is the recipient of several awards, including the Melvin Jones Fellow Award.

Loyd C. Prewett (Mona)

1986-87

Past District Governor Loyd Prewett first joined the Toccoa Lions Club in November of 1960, and later became a member of the North Dekalb Lions Club. He served the Toccoa Club as Secretary for two years and as President for two years. He served as President of the North Dekalb Club 1985-86. Other service to Lionism includes Cabinet Secretary 1971-72, Director of the Lighthouse, Eye Bank District Chairman, Zone Chairman, and as Deputy District Governor two years. He is the recipient of many awards, among which are the 100% District Governors Award, Key Member Award, and the International Extension Award.

George W. Blackburn (Adelia)

1987-88

Past District Governor George Blackburn joined the LaVista Lions Club in November of 1978. He has served Lionism well. His service includes 100% President, Zone Chairman, Region Chairman, District Governor, Lighthouse Co-Chairman, and Peach Bowl Director. He also served as Multiple District Membership Development Chairman. PDG George is the recipient of the 100% District Governors Award and is a Melvin Jone Fellow.

Thois Masters (Sylvia)

1988-89

Past District Governor Thois Masters joined the Clayton Lions Club in December of 1976. He served the club on the Board of Directors 1977-78, 78-79, 82-83, as Vice President 1979-80, and as 100% President 1980-83 and 1986-87. He served as Associate Director of the Camp for the Blind 1985-87, 1989-90, and Associate Director to the Lighthouse 1986-87. His District Service includes 100% Zone Chairman 1983-84, 100% Deputy District Governor 1986087, and 100% District Governor 1988-89. He last served as Eye Bank Chairman, International Convention Chairman, 1988-89, and President of the Georgia Lions Camp for the Blind. PDG Thois is the recipient of several Club, District, and State Awards.

M. C. Stowe (Amelia)

1990-91

Past District Governor M. C. Stowe joined the Toccoa Lions Club in 1975. He has served his Club as Director, 1979-82; Treasurer 1982-83, Vice President 1982-86, and as President 1986-87. He has served District 18-D as Zone Chairman, 1987-88, Region Chairman, 1988-89 and 1989-90, and as District Governor 1990-91. In addition, PDG Stowe has served as LCIF Chairman, 1991-92, and as Golden Chain Chairman 1992-93.

J. Michael Higgins, Jr.

1991-92

Past District Governor Higgins joined the Brookhaven Lions Club, in July of 1975. He is currently a member of the LaVista Lions Club. He has served in every position of the Lions Clubs except Tailtwister.

E. Don Wagner

1992-93

Past District Governor Don Wagner was initiated into Lionism in October 1983 when he joined the Gainesville Lions Club. He served his club as Tailtwister, White Cane Chairman, Safety Awareness, Director, 100% Club Secretary and 100% President (District and International). At the District Level he served as 100% Outstanding Zone Chairman, Outstanding Region Chairman, 100% LCIF Chairman, Vice District Governor and District Governor. Lion Don has had 100% perfect attendance since joining his club and is a key member. He has received an International President's Certificate of Appreciation, International President's Award and, is a progressive Melvin Jones Fellow. Lion Don was Secretary/Treasurer of the 1991 Georgia Lions State Convention in Gainesville, received the Leo Extension Award and was Vice President of Georgia Lions Camp for the Blind.

A. Lamar (Buddy) Ouzts

1993-94

Past District Governor Buddy Ouzts first became a Lion when he joined the Winder Lions Club in 1957. He served his club as Director, 3rd, 2nd Vice President, and 100% President. At the District level he was 100% Outstanding Zone Chairman, 100% Outstanding Region Chairman, Lt. Governor and 100% District Governor. He was also District 18-D Leo Club Chairman, Lions Quest Program Chairman, Chairman of the District Audit Committee and, member of the District Speakers Bureau.

At the International level Lion Buddy was named an International Director appointee by International President Jim Ervin. During this appointment he was a member of the International Finance Committee and, LCIF Finance Committee. Subsequently, he was elected International Director for a two year term in 2001. He was again assigned the responsibility of help guide the International Finance Committee in its financial deliberations. He was, again, named Chairman of the LCIF Financial Committee.

Lion Buddy is the recipient of the following awards: International President's Certificate of Appreciation 1991, District Governor's Appreciation Medal, Lion of the Year by the Winder Lions Club, Century Club Key Holder, Order of the Golden Chain. He is a Progressive Melvin Jones Fellow.

Community recognition includes recognition for Outstanding Service in the Community by the Georgia Senate (Resolution #500); 1989 Barrow County Chamber of Commerce "Citizen of the Year"; commended by the Georgia House of Representatives for Outstanding Community Service HR#375.

*Oscar Battle

1994-95

Lion Oscar Battle was an outstanding Lion for 44 years. Such service includes membership in several Lions clubs throughout the country. His last club was the Peachtree Corners Lions Club, which he organized.

Lion Oscar has held every office at the club level and was recognized as a 100 % President. He has had more than 40 years of perfect attendance. At the District level Lion Oscar was Zone Chairman 3 times, Vice District Governor and District Governor. PDG Oscar organized 2 Lioness Clubs as well as the Chinese American Lions Club of Atlanta, serving as its Guiding Lion.

He is the recipient of the following awards: Outstanding District 18-D Lioness Club Chairman and received 100% District Lioness Clubs Award for four different years. He served on the Austin P. Jennings Task Force to organize Lions Clubs in the Atlanta area. He received the Lions Extension Award in 1989-90 and was presented the International Leadership Award from International President William Woolard in 1990. He is a Melvin Jones Fellow and was named as a Life Member of Lions clubs International.

James "Jim" Painter

1995-96

Lion Jim Painter first become a Lion when he joined the LaVista Lions Club of Atlanta. He served his club in a number of committee assignments, Tailtwister, First and Third vice Presidents and President. PDG Jim has had over 16 years of perfect attendance. At the District level he was Zone Chairman for 2 terms, Region Chairman for 2 terms, Legal and Liability Chairman and District Membership Chairman. He was Chairman of the Constitution and By-Laws Committee of the Georgia Lions Lighthouse and State Coordinator for Lions Quest. PDG Painter is the recipient of the following awards: Melvin Jones Fellow, International President's Leadership Award, International President's Certificate of Appreciation, Georgia Lions Lighthouse 10 Million Dollar Club, LaVista Lions Club Lion of the Year and Rebuilding Lion. Lion Jim is a member of the Briarcliff Baptist Church, member of the Masons and Sons of the American Revolution.

Norman F. Masters

1996-97

Past District Governor Norm Masters joined the Snellville Lions club in June 1985. He served his club as President in 1990-91 and has been Club Secretary in 1998-2002. Lion Norm served District 18-D as Cabinet Secretary/Treasurer, Vice District Governor and District Governor. He is a Melvin Jones Fellow.

Dan Stuart

1997-98

Past District Governor Dan Stuart joined the Oconee Lions Club in October of 1986. Lion Dan served his club as Director, Lion Tamer, Secretary, Vice President, Newsletter Editor, Membership Chairman and President.

At the District level, PDG Dan served as Leo Chairman, Zone Chairman, Region Chairman, Vice District Governor, District Coordinator for Campaign Sightfirst and was Leadership Chairman. PDG Dan served at the state level as State Convention Cochairman 1999 (Athens), State White Cane Chairman, Council Chairman (1999-2000), RFB&D Chairman.  International service includes Campaign Manager for ID Buddy Ouzts and Impact Team Representative for MD-18.

Lion Dan was the recipient of the following awards: Progressive Melvin Jones Fellow, District 18-D Hall of Fame, Lion of the Year (Oconee Lions Club), Leo Extension Award, International President's Certificate of Appreciation (2), International Leadership Award, International President's Medal (2), District Governor's Award of Excellence and Key Membership Award.

As the District Leo Club Chairman Lion Dan was instrumental in organizing the Oconee Leo Club. As District SightFirst Coordinator $173,000 was raised in pledges leading the six districts of Georgia. As State White Cane Chairman he increased White Cane Contributions by 12%. As State RFB&D Chairman increased club contributions from $11,000 to over $32,000 annually and obtained an LCIF grant of $54,000 to convert the recording studio from analog to digital recorders. Served on the Board of Directors of RFB&D for three years. Have held many positions in Briarwood Baptist Church including Sunday School Director, Chairman of the Finance Committee and Chairman of the Personnel Committee.

PDG Dan is currently employed as Assistant Registrar of the University of Georgia. Retired from the U.S. Navy with 24 years of service. Education includes a BS in Management and a Masters of Business Administration degree. PDG Dan is the first Chairperson of the Board of Directors at the Lighthouse (formerly known as President).

Thomas "Tom" Sexton

1998-99

Past District Governor Tom Sexton joined the Gainesville Lions Club in January 1982. He served his club as Tailtwister, Director, Secretary (6 years) and President (2 years). He was his club's Lion of the Year two times.

At the District level he served as Zone Chairman, Region Chairman, Cabinet Secretary/Treasurer, Vice District Governor and District Governor. He also served as Director of the Georgia Lions Lighthouse and was Vice President of the Georgia Lions Camp for the Blind. Lion Tom received two International President's Certificates of Appreciation, an International Leadership Award. He is a Melvin Jones Fellow, Tom Bingham Fellow and a C. M. Blanton Fellow.

Joseph "Joe" Hirsch

1999-2000

Past District Governor Joe Hirsch joined the Downtown Atlanta Lions Club (District 18-A) in June of 1972 and, upon his moving to north Georgia, transferred his membership to the Dawsonville Lions Club in September of 1991. He has served his clubs as Tailtwister, Club Bulletin Editor, Peach Bowl committee and numerous assignments. He served as 100% Club Secretary, 100% President and was named District 18-D's Outstanding President in 1995. He was voted Lions of the Year by his club on two occasions.

At the District level he was 100% Zone Chairman, 100% Region Chairman, 100% Vice District Governor and 100% District Governor. On the State level, PDG Joe served as Vice President of Georgia Lions Lighthouse Foundation, Chairman of the Georgia Lions Camp for the Blind Constitution and Bylaws Committee, President of the Past District Governors Association. He served on the speakers committee for the election of Jim Ervin as Third International Vice President at the Montreal International Convention.

Lion Joe received 3 International President's Awards for Leadership and Service. He has six "Order of the Golden Chain" Awards and has been named to District 18-D's Hall of Fame". He is a Life Member of Lions Clubs International and has served as President of District 18-D's Past District Governor's Association. He is a Progressive Melvin Jones Fellow.

Lion Joe serves his community as a volunteer "Court Appointed Advocate" (CASA) in the Hall/Dawson County Juvenile Court, is a mentor in the Dawson County school system and is on the governing board of the Dawson County Literacy Council. He is also a board member of Legacy Link, Inc. (agency of the Georgia State Department of Human Resources).

Lion Joe and his wife Marilynn (also a Lion) attend the Christ Redeemer Catholic Church in Dawsonville. They have four children and nine grandchildren.

Edward "Ed" Hashbarger

2000-01

Lion Ed Hashbarger first became a Lion when he joined the East Side Detroit Lions Club in November 1969. As a career member of the United States Marine Corps. he did not lose his affiliation with Lions Clubs. During his USMC service he was a member of the Koza Lions Club of Okinawa, Japan (various dates), the Quantico Lions Club April 1972 to 1975; Beaufort Lions Club  1976 to January 1982; Havelock Lions Club January 1982 to 1983: Douglasville, Ga. 1983 to June 1983; Cobb County Lions Club June 1983 to November 1984; Marietta Lions Club November 1984 to September 1986 and, Norcross Lions Club September 1986 to present.

At the District level he was Zone Chairman, Vice District Governor and District Governor. He was Group Coordinator for Campaign Sight First. Lion Ed has perfect attendance from November 1969 up to the present. He has been an attendee at a number of USA/Canada Forums, State Conventions in Georgia, South Carolina and Virginia and International conventions. On the State level PDG Ed serves as State Representative of Leader Dogs for the Blind, Rochester, Michigan.

Community activity includes Treasurer and President of Little League Baseball and Football League; Treasurer of a Cub Scout Pack and President of the Quantico, Virginia PTA.

Ronald C. Epperson

2001-2002

Steve Hart

2002-2003

Robert (Bob) Robinson

2004-2005

Lion Bob first became a Lion during October of 1991 when he became a member of the Athens Classic City Lions Club. In June of 1997 he started the Athens Heritage Lions Club and was a Charter member and President of that club. At the club level Lion Bob was 3rd Vice President, 2nd Vice President, 1st Vice President and President of the Athens Classic City Lions Club. He served as Charter President, Secretary and Treasurer of the Athens Heritage Lions Club. At the District level PDG Robinson was Group coordinator of Campaign SightFirst and served as Zone Chairman, Region Chairman and District Librarian for two years. He received the following awards: Outstanding Zone Chairman, Outstanding Region Chairman, Outstanding Librarian, International President’s Certificate of Appreciation, Tom Bingham Fellow, C. M. Blanton Fellow, Progressive Melvin Jones Fellow, District 18-D Hall of Fame and 10 years Golden Chain Award.

Beverly L. Shirley (PDG Conny)

2005-2006

Past District Governor Beverly Shirley first joined Lionism in 1992 when she joined the Clarkesville Lions Club. On the club level Lion Beverly served as Tail Twister, Vice President and President. On the District level, PDG Shirley served as Chaplain, White Cane Chair, Zone Chair, Region Chair, Membership Chair, Vice District Governor and District Governor. During her year as Governor 1 new club was chartered and membership grew to over 1250 members which returned the district to good standing. Lion Beverly Served the Lighthouse as Secretary and Vice President. For her efforts, PDG Beverly received a International President's Leadership Medal. She has been named Lion of the Year, 3 times by her club. She is a member of the 18-D Hall of Fame. PDG Beverly is a Melvin Jones Fellow and a Tom Bingham Fellow. She writes that "For 14 years Lions have been a important part of my life. From the local club, district and state. On the local level I also was chair of our local Mt. Laurel Festival for 3 years and chairman of the parade committee. On the district I have served as chair of many committees."