Roy Pankey addressing the county commission
The Rhea County Commission honored Roy Pankey at its Tuesday night regular meeting.
At the start of the meeting, Commissioner Rusty Rogers presented Pankey with a plaque honoring him for his years of working with the youth of Dayton and Rhea County getting them involved in athletics of all types.
Mr. Pankey, who survived Covid-19 where he was in a coma since Christmas of 2021, just recently came back to the Rhea County Community Center to work with kids. Mr.
Pankey has been mentoring kids since 1992.
Mr. Pankey gave thanks to the persons at the meeting for all the prayers and thoughts that were given to him while he was in the hospital.
“I received hundreds of emails, text and messages on messenger. I would like to thank each and every one for their thinking of me during this time," Mr. Pankey said. He also thanked God for bringing him back.
"Mr. Pankey’s motto in working with the kids was 'no one was left behind.' No kid was turned away based on whether or not they could pay. Mr. Pankey supplied equipment and, most importantly, encouragement to the kids," stated Comm. Rogers.
Bobby Combs addressed the commission and audience, telling them he was one of the kids that was never left behind. "It is due to Roy's mentoring me that I am the man who I am today. I didnt mind to disappoint my mother, father or anyone else. But I did in about disappointing Roy and God. He saved me and mentored me to what I am today," said Mr. Combs
Mr. Pankey was recently honored by News Channel 9’s "Pay it Forward," sponsored by the McMahan Law firm, which gives deserving individuals recognition for the work they have done as well as $500.
Pictured, from left to right: Commissioner Rusty Rogers, Roy Pankey and Bobby Combs