Whitney Downard / The Meridian StarLauderdale County supervisors honored retired District 1 Supervisor Hank Florey by naming the supervisors' board room after him. 

Some years ago, Hank Florey knocked on Jonathan Wells door, campaigning for his re-election campaign. 

“When I was teaching, I had an idea to run for office,” Wells said. “And when I saw him, I told him I was interested but I would never run against him… When he told me was going to retire, I knew I had his support.”

Wells ran for District 1 supervisor for his first term following Florey’s retirement in 2015. Now running for re-election, Wells became emotional when he credited Florey and named the supervisor’s board room after his predecessor. 

“You made it easy,” Wells said. 

Florey joined the board in 1995 and played a role in purchasing property for the forthcoming I-20/59 industrial park, building the Agri-Center and implementing door-to-door garbage service for residents among other accomplishments. 

“It was a very pleasant transition,” Wells said. “I didn’t find a mess. He laid the groundwork for the future work of this board of supervisors.”

Even though it ruled him out, Florey said he felt supervisors were the best he’d seen. 

“I think we have the best board that we’ve had in 50 years,” Florey said. “My number one priority was serving the people of District 1 of Lauderdale County… and our first accomplishment was building the new jail. The whole board did it; I can’t take credit for it.”

Supervisors Wayman Newell, Josh Todd, Joe Norwood and Kyle Rutledge all thanked Florey for his mentorship, saying he made the transition onto the board easier. 

“As a freshman supervisor, your help in learning this seat was important to me and your kindness to me will never be forgotten,” Newell said. 

Josh Todd recalled how Florey would teach him the ropes, take him into the office for one-on-one lessons and write hand-written cards for special occasions. 

“You really molded me,” Todd said. “You showed me the right way to do things… thank you for the friendship and guidance.”

“You might be having a bad day but those big block letters (in a card)… that really makes my day,” Rutledge said.

Florey said he just encouraged board members to be themselves and be honest. 

“I had been a supervisor for quite a while when the new (board members) came on board and I tried to guide them,” Florey said. “I appreciate them saying that. I tried to leave District 1 in good shape and tried to leave money in the Roads Department.”

Many of Florey’s family came to the reception, some traveling as far as Atlanta, and Florey kept them in mind.

“I’m very appreciative for my family… My grandkids and their kids will see this for the rest of their lives,” Florey said. “It means everything in the world to me. It’s the greatest honor I’ve every received… I’m honored and overwhelmed.”