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2008 Tuscaloosa County Civic Hall of Fame honorees:
One of Tuscaloosa's most active civic and volunteer leaders, Josephine Davis has dedicated most of adult life serving the needs of citizens throughout the community in a variety of roles. She has contributed in significant ways to The ARC, DCH, First United Methodist Church, Tuscaloosa Public Library, Junior League, Bryce Hospital, Boys and Girls Clubs, and a host of other volunteer service organizations. She has been dedicated to doing her "civic duty", often quietly, for many years, earning deserved honors including Volunteer of the Year for multiple organizations, including United Way, The ARC of Tuscaloosa and Tuscaloosa County Preservation Society and the Distinguished Alumna of the Year of the University of Alabama's National Alumni Association.
Dr. Gray was an educator for 43 years, serving as a teacher, teaching principal, and Supervising Principal for Tuscaloosa City and County School Systems. She was the first principal for Stillman Heights Elementary School in the Tuscaloosa City Schools. She served as secretary for local, district, state, and regional Elementary Principals' Associations and served as Vice President and Program Chairperson with the Alabama Reading Association.
Dr. Gray's community involvement includes Metropolitan and Benjamin Barnes YMCA Board Member (the Myrtle Gray Room is named in her honor for all of the work she did for the 'Y'), Red Cross volunteer, Salvation Army Board Member, Washington Square Community Improvement Association, Beautification Project Leader, PTA Safety Chairperson, counselor and supervisor for the Boys Crusaders, Vice President of the Alabama Baptist Women's Auxiliary, Music Director of NAB District Missionary Baptist Fine Arts Department, and President of the Northwest District State Women's Convention.
Dr. Gray served as the 22nd President of the National Association of Colored Women's Clubs, Inc. and Youth Affiliates. She also served as president of the Cosmos Study Club, the Tuscaloosa Association of Women's Clubs, Inc. and Youth Affiliates, and the Alabama Association of Women's Clubs, Inc. and Youth Affiliates. Dr. Gray served in numerous other capacities within the National Association of Colored Women's Clubs, Inc.
Dr. Gray has received many honors, awards, and citations, some of which are Teacher of the Year, Educator of the Year, and Capstone College of Education Society Award.
Dr. Gray was a pillar of this community serving faithfully as an educator, civic leader and religious leader for almost a century. She touched the lives of so many.
A respected educator at The University of Alabama for over 41 years, Sarah Ella Rodgers had a significant and long-term impact on many facets of education and community life throughout her distinguished career. A professor of business statistics, Sarah Rodgers affected the lives of many young students at The University; and in 1981, the University's science and engineering library was named in honor of her and her husband, Dr. Eric Rodgers. An involved citizen, Sarah Rodgers contributed effectively to various organizations, including the Alabama Association For Crippled Children and Adults, West Alabama Rehab Center, Northport First United Methodist Church, West Alabama Health Planning Board, Tuscaloosa Community Council and many others. Honored on many occasions for her community service, she was a recipient of the Tuscaloosa County Citizen of the Year, Northport Citizen of the Year, and United Way Volunteer of the Year.
One of Alabama's most respected educators and community leaders, Roger Sayers served as President of The University of Alabama from 1989 - 1996. During his highly successful and distinguished career, he served in a variety of important leadership roles including Chairman of the College Football Association, Member of the President's Commission of the NCAA, Chairman of The Chamber of Commerce of West Alabama, and served as an officer and director of numerous other organizations including First Presbyterian Church, Challenge 21, Southeastern Conference, Rotary Club of Tuscaloosa, United Way of West Alabama, Black Warrior Council of the Boy Scouts, and many others. Honored on numerous occasions for his education and civic leadership in building "town-gown" partnerships, he is a member of the Alabama Academy of Honor and a recipient of the Algernon Sydney Sullivan Award and the Minnie Miles Endowed Excellence Award.
Paul Singleton was a special man who lived through years of history in the making. Moving to Tuscaloosa in 1929, just as the United States entered the Great Depression, he went to work at Central Foundry Company in Holt, remaining there through the difficult years of that era. In spite of the hard times, he often commented about the community spirit that filled Holt. Singleton rose in management and eventually became President of the company before retiring. In addition, he served as President of the Cast Iron Soil Pipe Institute of America.
Involved in Tuscaloosa area civic affairs, Paul Singleton was the general chairman of Tuscaloosa's first United Fund campaign (now United Way of West Alabama) and served as a member and chairman of the Tuscaloosa County Board of Education. He was on the board of directors of several organizations including Chamber of Commerce, Red Cross, YMCA, Tuscaloosa Rotary Club, Boy Scouts of America, and City National Bank (Regions). He was selected Tuscaloosa Citizen of the Year, Pillar of West Alabama, and was inducted into the Tuscaloosa County Civic Hall of Fame.
Paul Singleton was an active member of Holt Baptist Church where he served as Chairman of the Board of Deacons for a number of years.
He will be remembered for his commitment to his family, his church, and his community.
Any conversation about the civic leaders of today's Tuscaloosa area community would always include Terry Waters near the top of the list. Since his arrival in 1995, Terry Waters has been an engaged, effective business and community leader. Employed for over 36 years with Alabama Power Company, Terry Waters has contributed in significant and lasting ways to the economic development, workforce development and quality of life for the area along with directly contributing to numerous service-oriented initiatives. An active leader with numerous organizations, he has served as Chairman or President of many associations including The Chamber of Commerce of West Alabama, the Tuscaloosa County Industrial Development Authority, Black Warrior Council of the Boy Scouts, Hospice of West Alabama, United Way of West Alabama, and many others. Honored on many occasions, he is a recipient of the Tuscaloosa County Citizen of the Year and one of only 3 people in the history of The Chamber of Commerce to be named as Member of the Year twice.
