20-05-2025
Rotary Club of Decatur honors resident for his service to the community
May 20—Upon learning he would receive the Emmett McClary Four-Way Test Award from the Rotary Club of Decatur, Ronald Terry reacted by saying, "I just lived my life the best I could and don't deserve an award for it."
Rotary Club Board of Directors member Bobby Johnson, assured him, "Trust me, Ronald, you do."
The Rotary Club has handed out the award to a Rotarian and a non-Rotarian each year since 1994. Recipients must excel at the Four-Way Test, in which members ask, "Of the things we think, say or do: Is it the truth? Is it fair to all concerned? Will it build goodwill and better friendships? Will it be beneficial to all concerned?"
At Monday's meeting, the Rotary Club also presented the Emmett McClary award to Rotarian and Morgan County Commission Chairman Ray Long.
Before announcing Terry's name, Johnson listed some previous recipients. The list included Mayor Lynn Fowler, Sen. Arthur Orr and Dr. George Hansberry.
Johnson said Terry has been an inspiration in the community for decades. From the way he ran his business, Ronald Terry Electric, to his involvement with Decatur, she said, he has exemplified the ideals the award seeks to recognize.
"He was one of the men who literally built Decatur," Johnson said, noting how Terry helped install electrical wiring in many houses built in the 1960s.
Johnson continued that when the city was set to destroy the historic John T. Banks building in 1999; Terry stepped in and completely restored it. The building still stands on Oak Street.
Terry also oversaw the construction of Austinville United Methodist Church and saved The Church at Stone River over $100,000 by building much of its Wholistic Center with his own hands.
After selling his business in 2000, he continued to help those in the community by visiting people with home improvement needs and completing the projects.
"He would go and fix it and take no money. That's the most remarkable thing I'd ever seen," Johnson said.
Terry has also built wheelchair ramps throughout Decatur for those in need. Johnson recalled Terry building a ramp for a woman who lost her leg and her husband to a tornado in 2011.
"Well, I've lived with him for almost 65 years, so I can truly say that he is one that is willing to help others. That has been his life," said Joyce Terry, Ronald's wife, who attended the meeting to support him.
Joyce Terry recalled knowing that when they first started Ronald Terry Electric in 1974, it would work out well between her husband's work ethic and his treatment of other people.
Johnson said that the business never needed to advertise because people always knew that Terry would follow through with his promises to customers.
Johnson also spoke highly of Long, a fellow Rotarian.
"He serves his community because of his love for Morgan County and his desire to make things better for all of us," Johnson said when announcing Long as the winner.
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