Mayor Barger and Councilman Crawford presented former Councilman Black with A Declaration of Appreciation.
Ringgold City Council members gathered at the home of former Councilman Larry Black to present to him a Declaration of Appreciation from the Ringgold City Council. The Declaration honors Mr. Black for his service of 16 years to the city as both a councilman and as the chairman for the Downtown Development Authority. Mayor Joe Barger and Councilman Terry Crawford presented a framed copy of the Declaration which was approved by the City Council on Dec. 9.
"Larry, we want to thank you for serving the city for the last 16 years," said Mayor Barger. "Many things have been accomplished." The mayor was accompanied by Councilman Terry Crawford and City Manager Dan Wright in presenting the plaque at Mr. Black's home in Ringgold.
"I have enjoyed working with you Larry on the City Council," explained Councilman Crawford. "He will always be a dear friend of mine."
Collectively, the four men in attendance have a cumulative total of over 100 years in service to the public. After receiving the plaque and reminiscing with Dan Wright about some of the humorous stories from their years working together on the City Council, Mr. Black said, "Thank you, this really means a lot."
Mr. Black is a retired veteran of the United States Air Force and was employed by Dupont for 40 years. He has been married to his wife Cindy for 47 years. Cindy worked for the Catoosa County News for 40 years. In the spring of 2013, Mr. Black suffered a traumatic stroke and has spent the past year in recovery. While undergoing physical therapy and rehabilitation Mr. Black decided not to run for reelection on the City Council and no longer serves on the Downtown Development Board.
The Declaration of Appreciation from the City Council reads as follows:
Declaration of Appreciation
Councilmember Gordon Larry Black
This Declaration of Appreciation is to formally commend you for your 16 years of dedicated service on the Ringgold City Council in the capacity of councilmember and Downtown Development Authority chairperson. You have also served on numerous committees over the years and volunteered countless hours serving your fellow citizens.
Your supporting efforts, along with those of your past and current councilmembers have brought needed changes and improvements to the city of Ringgold and its citizens. Some of these changes were in forming the first Convention and Visitors Bureau and reestablishing the Downtown Development Authority. Your support and vision for the addition of sidewalks, parks, and nature trails have been critical in what we now enjoy.
We are sorry to lose you as a member of our council, but join with the whole city in wishing you the best in your future endeavors. We encourage you to remain active in community services. You will always be a huge part of this city.
The mayor, Council, and employees of Ringgold thank you for your time on the Ringgold City Council. You should take extreme pride in your outstanding record and accomplishments. We remain forever grateful for having you on our Council.