Lion Johnny Long joined the Boynton Lions Club of Ringgold in 2008 sponsored by former Lion Jim Cosper. According to Boynton Lions treasurer and past president Randall Franks, Mr. Long quickly took on responsibilities in the club.
“He served as my vice president and then took over as president of our club,” Mr. Franks said. “His dedication to Lionism soon caught the eye of our district leaders.”
Mr. Long was tapped to become region chair, and then 18L zone chair/club coach serving Boynton, Dade County, Menlo, Chattanooga Valley, Chickamauga, Lafayette, Rossville, and Trion, said Boynton Lions President Richmond Blackwell, who Mr. Long sponsored to join Boynton.
“He hit the ground running and has not stopped yet,” Mr. Blackwell said. “He actively promotes all the clubs within his zone and works to bring Lions activities to the forefront.”
Mr. Long is now a club coach. For Mr. Boynton, he has served for several years as the Vision Committee chairman helping needy Catoosans lives change with improved sight opportunities.
According to Mr. Blackwell, the highest honor given by District 18-L is induction in the Hall of Fame which recognizes dedicated service to Lionism in Northwest Georgia.
“Only six Lions are inducted per year, a committee of three past district governors choose inductees that have provided long-term service to their communities, their clubs and the District,” Mr. Blackwell said. “Since the award was established only 103 members in our district and three within our zone have won the award.”
Mr. Long said he was honored by recognition by his fellow Lions.
“I get great satisfaction from helping others,” he said. “Being a Lion gives me the ability to help others not only worldwide, but also in your community. Lions have a motto of "We Serve" I feel this is a great motto to live by.”
Mr. Long also takes an active role at Ringgold United Methodist Church, sharing time between his family, Lions, and church projects. He is an active member of the RUMC prayer team and volunteers with Nourishing Children in Catoosa.
The Boynton Lions Club of Ringgold normally meets the second Tuesday of each month at the Boynton United Methodist Church Fellowship Hall at 6:30 p.m. However on July 11, it will meet at the Ringgold Depot in conjunction with its Patriotic Summer Movie fundraiser at 7:15 p.m. featuring "The Monument's Men."
Donations for the clubs projects in vision, youth and support for Dailey Hills Cemetery may be sent to Boynton Lions Club c/o BUMC, 4246 Boynton Dr., Ringgold, Ga. 30736, contact a local Lion, or e-mail boyntonlions@gmail.com.