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Scout leader honored for 65 years of service By Hanis Biackwood Forsyth County News There wasn’t a Boy Scout program in Gene Bobo’s hometown of Graycourt, S.C. But when he came to Gainesville in 1938, he began a relationship with scouting that has continued for 65 years. Bobo was scoutmaster of Troop 26 at First Baptist Church of Gainesville from 1939 to 1958. On a recent Saturday, more than three dozen of his former scouts gathered at the church for a surprise event to honor the longtime scout leader. The “boys” who learned the fundamentals of scouting under Bobo’s leadership are now men in their 50s and 60s. The group includes physi cians. attorneys, business executives, and at least two who spent their career as mili tary officers. Bobo. 86, moved here after graduating from what was then known as Clemson College. He joined the staff of Best Manufacturing, a compa ny which processed raw silk into ladies’ hosiery. A year after moving to Gainesville, he was approached about becom ing scoutmaster of the First Baptist troop. In 1942, he left for three years of wartime service in the military. Upon his return, he was asked to resume his duties as scoutmaster. He accepted and was joined by longtime Gainesville banker James Mathis Sr. During his tenure, the troop produced a record 10 Eagle Scouts in a single year. Since its formation, there have been more than 200 Eagle Scouts from Troop 26. Garland Reynolds, a Gainesville architect, was a member of the post war group. “The thing I remember most is that he did not discrim inate or have favorites among the troop,” said Reynolds. "This was in an era when it was a big deal who your daddy was and what your family did.” He said the veteran scout master was a surrogate father for some. “I was one of those guys whose father paid little atten tion to him, and he was a father figure to me and several others.” The list of alumni from troop 26 includes a number of men who have achieved suc cess in their profession. The group includes Dr. Jim Lilly, a Gainesville psychologist, who was also a colonel in the Air Force; Leonard Parks, a retired Navy captain; Carl A FINE ART GALLERY on the square in Old Town Dawsonville Regular Hours Thurs-Sat 10 to 4 74 West Ist Street Dawsonville, GA., 30534 706-265-6050 Classes available 7x * Cancelled Orders -&■ F * Blemished -jL- a * Mismatched Sets a * Overstocked * Discontinued Covers * S ame Day Carryout -X * Delivery Available * Mattress Outlet it 770-888-2111 -fc ★ Pilgrim Mill Road Exit 16 at GA 400 -4, Next Door to Shell _A_ «8K 40 Open Mon-Fri 9-6 and Saturdays 10-2 Ts W| lOSOFFOMWReOULMILOW WUCg WITH THtS ADI |~jy Romberg of City Ice Co.; Lorry Schrage of Sauls; Dr. Andy Carter, an Atlanta physician; and attorneys Jack Bell and Douglas Smith. In 1957- o a I ■ 711 n- ju 11 | nm 11 : . : :S Bobo 58, Bobo served as president of the Northeast Georgia Boy Scout Council. Following his term, he accepted a position in Charlotte, N.C., where he lived until 1973. While in Charlotte, he served on the executive board for the Mecklenberg County Boy Scout Council, including a term as president. Since returning to Gainesville, he has served on the Northeast Georgia Council and presently serves as treasur er. The Northeast Georgia Council includes the Scout troops in Forsyth County. The tribute program was a shock to Bobo, who thought he was going to lunch with his family. The longtime scout leader fought back tears as he walked into the room filled with his former scouts, who still referred to him as “Mr. Bobo." "To use the words of today’s generation, this was awesome," said Bobo. "This is one of the most meaningful events in my life. I have received awards from Scouting, but this was the most personal expression I’ve ever had." He was presented with a book of letters from many of the Scouts who participated in his troop during his tenure as Scoutmaster. Several of the scouts learned a skill that was not covered in the Scout handbook babysitting. Bobo's son, Ron, now a real estate investor, was born during his father’s service as Scoutmaster. In addition to packing camping gear, the trip to scout events also included a crib for the baby. His wife. Reba, who passed away in 2001, served as a mother to the troop, as well. Bobo's other lifelong pur suit. his career in the textile industry, continues at a time when most men his age are retired. “I go in to work every morning,” he said. His compa ny, Mallen Industries, main tains a headquarters in Norcross. He also commutes weekly to Pendergrass to the regional scout headquarters to sign checks and review the coun cil’s finances. I„ jj V MjWfly , fl Qllilt ZTTTzTTSa WhftSrfL Entire A All Thread Framoe Packaged <£ stock - 1/2 Off™ Frames Quiit BattsWk gctuwj NATIONAL QUILTW DAY-MARCH 20. 2004 PflfltS & SOlldS 1001 COTTON USUN FROM ROCKLAND I I aUUTtRf 77. 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' "I ■■ TOSSY LOSSY • BROADCLOTH POLY/COTTON BLEND • 46" WIDE HOBBY LOBBY » POLY/COTTON BATISTE • ASSORTED COLORS ICT ASSORTED COLORS • OUR EVERYDAY LOW 199 • A I" 49 ' W,DE ’ OUR EVERYDAY LOW 1.89 Broadcloth 1,57 Prints ASolkis Batiste 1-26 a FEATURING DAISY KINGDOM. HOBBY LOBBY ——— lOBBY LOBBY • 1001 NYLON GLITTER ORGANZA DA,SY • M" WIDE • ASSORTED DESIGNS • INCLUDES R-l iSSORTED COLORS • 40" WIDE € CRAWFISH. WINNIE THE POOH, CHILI PEPPERS & IVY •UR EVERYDAY LOW 3.99 • OUR EVERYDAY LOW 2 99 M| sparkle_Orga nza 2,00 1/3 Offjg^^y l Corned Fabric 2.17| PRICES GOOP MARCH 15 THROUGH MARCH 20, 2004 • SALES SUBJECT TO SUPPLY IN STOCK • SELECTION MAY VARY BY STORE THIS AD DOES NOT APPLY TO PRE-REDUCED ITEMS |Ua CUMMING H BK®* 655 S. Atlanta Rd. • EXit 14 Off 400-W. to Atlanta Hwy. fl H KI ■ ACWORTH:96OO Brtl.F^Ra,.j uK Southo(H« 92 Rl bUECK Ll faf W JVSnLLJSSSUetAVrotConnoctofAu.ußrj 4E„tAve,tCoorector IIAI IT IUI !!■ IS| f ’yFOßPit.ltAoP966,Jv«tWwto»G«ora»H» > 20 fj J UUT Out? 18l (ill M CARTIR9VU.LI: ISO M*-trtS«uM. Marti 6«J„ 6h«»,~C «"t«r 11 za, . IB |U M HOBBY SI CUSTOM I Bl DALTON. 2103 E Walnut Awe. • Walnut Mall If I LVfVI B> i nhfl ■9 ■ DULUTH: 3679VanUrtRj ; I F|?AMIKIZ' I 0 lai B lIKMw FAYfTTIVKLR: 919 N 6<r««o,Hwy66 fl I I B H LAWWNCiv,I LRi 606 tMuthHayaSpnnffWaFßrtShoppnf Cantar on DiAith Hwy BI DFPTI I I B M ST ORE HOURS: 9-8 MONDAY - SATURDAY • CLOSED BUNDAY M U H FORSYTH COUNTY NEWS Sunday, March 14,2004 PAGE 3B