Brookhaven Exchange Club members and guests were out in forceFriday night to recognize a new Golden Deeds recipient and tocommend members of the club.

Paul B. Jackson was named the club’s Golden Deeds recipient for2006 at the club’s annual banquet held at the Thames Center.

The Golden Deeds award is presented to a person who has beennominated for the award for his or her good works in the community.A committee made up of non-Exchange Club members chooses eachyear’s recipient based on the nominations submitted.

Ted Evans presented this year’s award to Jackson. He saidJackson was a person who believes in God, church and family. He isa lifetime deacon of his church where he has served on everycommittee, Evans said.

Jackson has been active in promoting the community for manyyears and has served on many worthwhile committees of the city andcounty.

His latest project has been in organizing the Military Museum indowntown Brookhaven. Jackson served in the military during WorldWar II.

“He was in the construction business for many years andresidents say he will be forever recognized for his efforts at theInez,” Evans said. “We all know how he saved the old Inez Hotel,which has been the center of Brookhaven for well over acentury.”

Jackson’s love and dedication to preserving the history ofBrookhaven in many ways goes unsung, Evans continued.

When Jackson learned about a 2-year-old boy who was in need of akidney transplant, he brought the matter to the attention of hisSunday school class. With Jackson’s leadership, the class visitedwith the family and helped them financially.

Evans said Jackson believes what the holy scripture teaches:”that action speaks louder than words.”

A humbled Jackson accepted his award from Evans and praised theExchange Club for all of its good works.

“I salute the Brookhaven Exchange Club and their members andwhat it stands for in the community,” Jackson said.

Jackson’s son and daughter, Paul W. Jackson and JenniferWhittier, grandson John Paul Jackson, 9, and daughter-in-law BeckyJackson, were also in attendance to see Jackson accept hisaward.

Jackson’s grandson thought it was “cool” that his grandfatherhad received the Golden Deeds award.

Last year’s award recipients were Harry Joe and SandraMartin.

Master of Ceremony Bill Hickman kept the night rolling as eachspeaker came forward to participate in the presentation ofawards.

Last year’s recipient, Exchange Club member Alvin Brown,presented the John L. Leary award to Nolon Bowman. He praisedBowman for his hard work with the club. Bowman’s daughter CindyTownsend, who accompanied her father to the banquet, said the awardwas a surprise.

“He’s not only a good Exchange Club member, but he has involvedhis family,” Brown said of Bowman.

Awards were also presented to members for attendance and serviceawards.

Charles Ratliff was honored as the only living charter member ofthe club. Ratliff has been a member for 59 years and served as clubsecretary for 44 years .