Held at Slackland Church, a dedication ceremony began at 1 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 4 and consisted of memories from friends, scripture readings and the reading of a proclamation by Leesburg Mayor Ed Mackey. The proclamation made the fourth of August, 2001 John L. Foster Day in the town of Leesburg.
Foster, who passed away four years ago, is remembered as a hard worker and faithful father, husband, son, friend and Christian. He was a volunteer fire fighter, employee of Goodyear, member of Carpenters for Christ, the NAACP and the Alabama Democratic Conference as well as member and chairman of the deacon board at Providence Church.
He is remembered by all who knew him as a man who wasn’t afraid to hug anyone or help anyone and never let his brilliant smile fall from his face.
Rev. Melvyn Salter gave the invocation of the ceremony, beginning with the words, “We thank you lord for the wondrous creation of a man named John L. Foster.” The mood remained the same throughout the rest of the hour-long service.
When Leesburg Mayor Ed Mackey presented a framed copy of the town’s proclamation to John L.’s wife Leola, he stated that if there were more John L. Fosters in the community and county today, it would be a better place to live.
Mrs. Ethel Simmons, Mr. Birt Majors, Fire Chief Michael Tillery and Probate Judge Phillip Jordan all recounted memories of Foster and the ways he touched and influenced each of their lives.
Jordan stated that when Foster’s son, Rev. Dale Foster, approached him about renaming the county road, he was elated to bring it up before the county commission and it was decided on immediately and unanimously.
Following the service, family and friends gathered at the beginning of the former Co. Rd. 20 to witness John L.’s mother unveil the new road sign.
A reception was held at the Foster homeplace after the dedication of John L. Foster Drive
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