The Winnfield City Council honored two of the city’s businessmen for their community service when Mayor Gerald Hamms presented them the “Hammy Award” during their September 10 meeting.

Selected for the special recognition were longtime pharmacist Steve Shelton and longtime barber Rayford Riley.

The mayor explained that this award, selected by committee (“I just have the privilege of presenting it,”) is for individuals “who have gone above and beyond to provide service and knowledge to this community.  Patriots, if you will.  Through this award, we have the opportunity to show our gratitude for what they mean to us.”

Hamms cited the 47 years Shelton has worked in Winnfield as a pharmacist, most recently at Pharmacy Services.  In comments, Shelton responded that he is in much appreciation to the community of Winnfield and to its leadership, noting that it requires a lot of planning.  He gave credit first to God, second to his family and third to the people of Winnfield.  “Forty-seven years is a long time, I’ve got o say.  And I’ve enjoyed it all. He added that he will continue working on a part time basis.

Hamms introduced the award to Riley by noting he has the city’s longest-running business, City Barber, at the same location on Main Street.  Riley agreed with the time, calculating that it’s been 14,300 times he’s climbed up on that sidewalk.  This in itself is a blessing “because you have to have good health to work that long and the Lord has taken care of me.”  He also pointed out that through the years, he’s enjoyed his biological family, his church family and his barbershop family, friends who’ve been a blessing to serve.