Civic Hall of Fame

2005

Robert Jemison
One of the most prominent and influential citizens in Alabama during the early days of Tuscaloosa's development, he was a successful attorney, industrialist, politician, and civic leader. His impact was felt in the areas of agriculture, land development, transportation, and business and industrial development. While serving as a State Senator, Jemison led the way to the establishment and later development of Bryce Hospital in Tuscaloosa.

Dr. Minnie Miles
A legendary fixture at The University of Alabama, Dr. Minnie Caddell Miles left behind a long and impressive legacy of educational excellence, women's rights, equality for all, and unbridled generosity. As a resoultion from The University's Board of Trustees on her 90th birthday reflected, "...in her ninety years, this soft-spoken, determined, influential leader, humanitarian, and teacher has affected the lives of decades of students, citizens, and women nationally and internationally..."

Minnie Caddell Miles was born in Glen Allen, AL in 1910. She received her diploma in elementary eudcation from Florence State Normal School (now the University of North Alabama) in 1928. She went on to Texas to earn her Bachelor's from Mary Hardin-Baylor College in gerneral business, an area dominated by men. She then went on to Northwestern University to earn a Masters in personnel management, and later earned her Ph.D from Purdue University in industrial psychology, in spite of the dean's admonition that "we don't encourage women to come into our program."

Dr. Miles began her lifetime of service to The University of Alabama in 1942 as an instructor, becoming one of the first women to hold faculty and professorships in the College of Business. During her distinguished career, she earned numerous teaching honors including the National Alumni Association's Outstanding Commitment to Teaching Award, and was named Professor Emeriti of Organiational Behavior prior to her retirement in 1978.

Student accolades poured in over her career. Vivian Malone Jones, the first African-American graduate of the University has stated that Dr. miles was a constant source of support and inspiration. "She acted as a mentor; she offered me guidance, assistance, and help when others did not feel comfortable in doing so. She was a caring person who was willing to step out and take a stand when it wasn't popular to do so."

And step out she did. Dr. Miles was a tireless leader at national and international levels in efforts to achieve equality in the workplace. An active, founding leader of the local and Alabama Federation of Business and Professional Women, Dr. Miles traveled to Los Angeles in 1962 to become the President of the National Federation of Business and Professional Women, a position she credited with opening opportunities for her to influence the course of women's equality in the US. Two years earlier, she has been the only woman to take part in the Ford Foundation's Industrial Relations program on "New Developments in Business."

In 1963, Minnie Miles stood at President John F. Kennedy's left shoulder as he signed the Equal Pay Act of 1963 because of her tireless, determined efforts. Later that year, Defense Secretary, Robert McNamara, appointed Dr. Miles to the Defense Committee on Women in Services, which led to a bill that removed restrictions on promoting women in the military. Her impact was significant in these early efforts to contribute to equality in the workplace for women across the nation.

She later served in numerous other leadership roles in pursuing equality for women including work with the US Civil Service Commission, NASA, Federal Aviation Administration, the US Army Corps of Engineers, and the Marshall Flight Space Ceter.

Dr. Miles also leaves a legacy of generosity and civic service. She was one of the first individuals to establish one of The University of Alabama's earliest annuinty trusts to promote faculty excellence and scholarships for women. Not only did she initiate this early trust, Dr. Miles was a leader in spearheading and supporting a wide-range of endowed funds for or honoring others. Among the numerous education endowed funds are the Frank Rose - Minnie Miles Endowed Commerce & Business Administration Professor of Leadership, the Minnie C. Miles Endowed Graduate Scholarship, and many others.

Her leadership and service was broad and touched the lives of many citizens during her lifetime. Dr. Miles was a founding member of the Altrusa Club, Chair of the Wesley Foundation at UA, and national trainer and spokesperson for the Widowed Person's Service of the American Association of Retired Persons. Her work with the Tombigbee Council of the Girl Scouts earned her a Distinguished Alumni Award from Purdue University.

Dr. Miles was one of only 13 recipients of the Governor's Women in Leadership Awards in 1989; was awarded an honorary doctorate from Mary Hardin-Baylor University; named "Woman of Achievement" in Alabama; and received the Soroptimist "Women Helping Women" Award and the International Women's Year Award of Achievement.

In 1993, Dr. Miles was named the Tuscaloosa County Citizen of the Year for her service and impact on people throughout the community. In addition, she was honored by induction into the Alabama Women's Academy of Honor as well as the Alabama Senior Citizens Hall of Fame.

Dr. Minne Miles touched the lives of literally millions of Americans because of courageous and determined efforts to break through gender barriers. Her perseverance in pursuing her own education allowed her to break down barriers and exert leadership to make a difference in many lives.

Henry Holman (Bene) Mize
Few individuals have been called to service in as many leadership capacities as was Henry Holman (Bene) Mize, and few have a record of accomplishment his equal. In his own quiet, dignified, and unheralded manner, he made many contributions to a better Tuscaloosa County.

A native of Tuscaloosa, Bene Mize was born in 1911 and attended local public schools as well as the University of Alabama, receiving his undergraduate, graduate, and law school degrees. An excellent scholar, he was elected to Phi Beta Kappa and held a teaching fellowship while attending the university.

He served with distinction in the US Army, National Guard, and the reserve and at the time of his retirement in 1963, he had served his country for over 33 years. In his chosen law profession, Bene Mize was also a leader, serving as president of the Tuscaloosa Bar Association as well as president of the Alabama Association of Circuit Judges.

He was elected to the Alabama State Senate from Tuscaloosa County and served from 1946 to 1950. An effective and respected legislator, he was instrumental in passing legislation that created the Druid City Hospital Board of Trustees, of which he was later appointed to serve as a member during an important time of growth for the community’s hospital.

A practicing attorney for over 30 years, he was the senior member of the law firm of Mize, Spiro & Phelps when he was elected as circuit judge in 1966, and was elected by his peers as the presiding judge of the Sixth Judicial Circuit. He served with a reputation of integrity and fairness until his untimely death in 1971.

In addition, Judge Mize served on the Tuscaloosa City Board of Education, and was chairman of the Tuscaloosa County Board of Pensions and Security. He was a lifelong active member of First Baptist Church, serving in a number of key leadership roles, and Judge Mize was also a charter member of the Tuscaloosa Lions Club, which honored him with the Lion of the Year award in 1960.

A devoted and loving family man, Bene Mize was a friend, counselor, and inspiration to many, and Tuscaloosa is a better place to live because of his service and lifelong contributions. He took his citizenship seriously and set the highest example of unselfish public service.

Reverend T.Y. Rogers
Born in 1935 in Sumter County, Alabama. Theophilus Yelverton Rogers, Jr. , better known as reverend TY Rogers, Jr., came to Tuscaloosa in 1964, and he is credited with providing key leadership for the civil rights movement in Tuscaloosa.

Reverend Rogers was appointed the pastor of the First African Baptist church in Tuscaloosa in 1964 and was a call to action for many civil rights activists. Rogers was recommended to the church by Reverend Martin Luther King, Jr., to whom Reverend Rogers had served as an assistant pastor at the Dexter Avenue Baptist Church in Montgomery.

A brilliant scholar of The Bible, Reverend Rogers had outstanding leadership skills, a sincere concern for humanity, and a keen understanding of national and international affairs. And he put these talents to work to impact the future of Tuscaloosa and the civil rights movement.

Reverend Rogers received his undergraduate degree from Alabama State College in Montgomery, and his divinity degree from Crozer Theological Seminary in Pennsylvania, at the encouragement of Martin Luther King, Jr., and where he was a Lily Foundation Fellow.

While serving as pastor at First African Baptist, Reverend Rogers gained support from both blacks and whites throughout the county, and with the help and support of pastors and citizens, he organized the Tuscaloosa Citizens for Action Committee. This organization served as the base for planning and directing all civil rights activities in Tuscaloosa, and later became an affiliate of the Southern Christian Leadership Conference.

Among his significant contributions, Reverend Rogers led the famous march on the Tuscaloosa County Courthouse in 1964, a time that was known as Tuscaloosa’s Freedom Summer. While he and many other marchers were jailed, injured, and forced back, the first attempt was ended.

However, a new march was planned with protection and great success. That day, Reverend Rogers’ speech on the courthouse steps had great impact, and the next day, all signs in the courthouse designating separate facilities for blacks and whites were taken down. The records show this day as the ‘death of black water and white water’ in Tuscaloosa County. And Reverend Rogers was at the forefront of the success.

Active on many fronts, Reverend Rogers served in key leadership roles during his career, among which included: director of affiliates and chapters for the SCLC, president of the Confederation of Alabama’s Political Organizations, NAACP, and contributing editor to the Baptist Foreign Mission Outlook.

Honored on numerous occasions for his courageous leadership efforts, Reverend Rogers was elected as an outstanding young man of America by the Jaycees in 1967, and was honored by the SCLC, YMCA, and other church affiliated organizations.

On March 26, 1971, Reverend Rogers’ life was cut short by a tragic car accident, yet his legacy and impact lives on in the hearts, actions and efforts of citizens throughout Tuscaloosa and Alabama. In 1985, part of 27th avenue was renamed for T. Y. Rogers to keep the dream alive.

A civil rights’ activist and leader, a spiritual minister, a compassionate humanitarian, Reverend T. Y. Rogers courageous life changed the course of Tuscaloosa and the lives of many citizens he touched. As written in a Tuscaloosa News editorial column, ‘Rogers was fully aware of his mission and he seized the moment. He knew he had a cause that the majority could not deny, and he knew, too, that the moment in history had arrived.”

Harlan Cross Meredith
A quiet, humble man, our next recipient has served his community, his church, and his country for over sixty years. Even today, we continue to build on the solid, caring foundation to which he had contributed greatly.

Harlan Cross Meredith was born on September 1, 1920 in his beloved Tuscaloosa. He attended Tuscaloosa public schools and graduated from the University of Alabama in 1941 with a degree from the College of Commerce and Business Administration.

Throughout his distinguished career, Mr. Meredith has been passionate and committed to the citizens of the Tuscaloosa community, bringing the interests of business and local government to bear on the pressing needs of the community, especially the needs of youth.

A great patriot, Mr. Meredith served as a commissioned officer in the United States navy during World War II, providing exceptional leadership in decisive engagements. During a patriot’s Sunday at first Presbyterian Church, where he has been a member for more than fifty years, Mr. Meredith’s story was the subject of the sermon and how his faith has been unwavering, during the good and the bad times in his life.

In addition, Mr. Meredith’s leadership was instrumental in the completion of the family life center at First Presbyterian along with the expansion of one of the finest pre-school training centers in the community. Yet again, another example that will serve many future generations.

A man of integrity and wise counsel, Mr. Meredith has been sought out by all, and he has always responded to make a difference. For example, he is credited with providing the key leadership in the early 1950’s in the growth and development of Tuscaloosa YMCA, which includes the building of both the central branch of the ‘y’ and the Benjamin Barnes branch, as well as the acquision of land for expanded day camp programs. Through his tireless, unselfish efforts, Mr. Meredith has touched the lives of literally thousands of young people.

In addition, during his distinguished business career, Mr. Meredith was an example of excellence and leadership. He was elected three times as a president of the Tuscaloosa Insurance Agents; headed the Alabama Independent Insurance Agents; and served as a director of the National Association of Insurance Agents for several years. In the professional arena as well in civic life, Harlan Meredith has made an impact.

A community builder and compassionate servant, Harlan Meredith has made significant contributions throughout Tuscaloosa. He served as president of the exchange club; led a successful effort to establish the graduate department of the University of Alabama’s school of social work; and a diverse array of other civic achievements earned him the honor of Tuscaloosa County’s citizen of the year in 1967.

Thomas P. Hester
Is there any civic endeavor that our next recipient has not been involved in or influenced during his over 54 year banking career? The statue of a man is not measured in physical terms, but rather by the watermark of his character and the influence of his life on others.

And Thomas P. “Tommy” Hester has significantly changed lives and improved the community, serving in virtually every community, civic and business leadership role available to a citizen in Tuscaloosa county.

A native of Moundville, Tommy was born on April 12, 1933. He is a graduate of Hale County High School, the University of Alabama, and the LSU School of banking.

With perhaps one of the longest careers in banking in Alabama, Tommy Hester has helped many people during his distinguished career. But his impact through service and meeting his civic responsibility is beyond measure. It has been written that he has no fear of the loss of self; he finds it in helping others.

Recently retired from the National Bank of Commerce, for over five decades, Tommy Hester has contributed significantly through his leadership roles with the Easter Seals of West Alabama, boy scouts, girl scouts, focus, the Chamber of Commerce, Shelton State foundation, DCH foundation, Civitans, United Way, and a long, long list of other civic and charitable endeavors. And for over 44 years, he has been an active and contributing leader of Forest Lake Methodist Church, serving in every office available.

A man of boundless energy and enthusiasm, Tommy Hester throws himself totally into every civic opportunity to help. One example, his over 28 years of service through the Easter Seals of West Alabama has resulted in an array of achievements, including expanded facilities, a work center, the mall ball and others. And this is just one example. You can take any civic and charitable effort he has been involved with and see positive results and progress.

Over the years, his tireless efforts have been recognized with a host of honors; including Citizen of the Year in 1976, United Way Volunteer of the Year, the Alabama Association of Rehabilitation Facilities’ Individual of the Year, and many, many more.

But the real honor and fulfillment for Tommy Hester is that he has been able to serve and help his fellow citizens. He is a leader whose intellect, integrity and energy is a model and inspiration for all of us.

Sam P. Faucett
One of Alabama’s and Tuscaloosa’s most influential bankers and business leaders, our next honoree has made a significant impact on the economic, educational and public sectors for many years in Tuscaloosa County.

Born on January 16, 1935 in Northport, Sam Faucett has always been a determined and focused individual with a heart as big as the community he loves. He attended Tuscaloosa county public schools, and is a graduate of the University of Alabama, the Graduate School of Banking at the University of Wisconsin, and the National School of Banking at the University of Oklahoma.

He began his distinguished banking career in 1962 with the City National Bank and retired in 2000 from Regions Bank. While achieving high levels of success in his banking career, Sam Faucett made a positive difference along the way in the public and civic arena of Tuscaloosa County.

His leadership and service resume has touched virtually every aspect of civic life and his generous heart has a significant impact on not only the citizens of today, but the leaders of tomorrow. His involvement in a wide array of leadership roles is impressive.

For 12 years, Mr. Faucett served as mayor and a city councilman for the city of Northport. For 25 years, his leadership as a trustee of the DCH health system was instrumental in the development of world-class, regional health system, which included expanded services, an open heart surgery center, cancer treatment center, a neonatal intensive care unit and many other services. And the results of his service as a long time member of PARA’s board is seen in expanded recreational resources for all citizens of every age.

He has played key leadership roles with the local chamber of commerce for many years, serving both the Northport and Tuscaloosa chambers – and he then led the way for the merger of the two to form Alabama’s first regional chamber, the Chamber of Commerce of West Alabama in 1984.

Active in a variety of civic, service, and charitable leadership positions, Mr. Faucett has made an impact through the United Way, the President’s Cabinet at the University of Alabama, Association of Retarded Citizens, the Tuscaloosa County Special Tax Board, Capstone Health Services Foundation, American Heart Association and a long menu of other leadership roles in banking and economic development.

In 1996, when the Tuscaloosa County school system was facing a major financial dilemma, it was Sam Faucett who stepped up to make today’s Tuscaloosa County High School a reality. Through his personal model of generosity and commitment with one of the largest gifts ever by an individual to a secondary school in the United States, he then provided the personal leadership and catalyst for a highly successful private funding initiative to build Tuscaloosa County High School, which today is known as “TCHS, the house that Sam built.”

Sam Faucett has made such a significant difference in the life of his community and the multitude of citizens he has touched. It has been written that “deep down in every human heart is a hidden longing, impulse and ambition to do something fine and enduring people choose to make a difference.” Sam Faucett has always translated the impulse of his heart into practical and real results rom which we all benefit.