McClain honored as ‘Father of the Year’

A father of nine and grandfather of 23, the 2009 Father of the Year is Willie D. McClain, who was honored at an Association of United Professionals   event June 20 at The Art Center at Chipola College.
According to the association, McClain came to Jackson County in 1984, and fed his family on a $2-per-hour job at the saw mill in Graceville.
After his wife of 34 years died, McClain became the sole keeper of his family. To this day, he still prepares a Sunday meal for his entire family, the association said.
McClain was one of many fathers honored at the 2009 Father of the Year Banquet, a biennial event held by the association for the purpose of recognizing men who set the tone “for a new generation of fathers by accepting responsibilities for their children and who are actively participating in the lives of their children.”
Nine nominees were in the running for the title this year. At the event, they were honored as pictures of their family lives were displayed on a screen for all to view.
Guests at the event were treated to dinner and entertained by several soloists.
Judges Karen Edwards, Joyce McKinnie, the Rev. Freddie Roulhac, Jackson County Fire Chief Tony Wesley and Dr. Brian Johnson reviewed essays submitted by the nominees’ families.
Wayne Herring, of Marianna,  took second place;  the Rev. James Bighem, of Graceville took third; and Rico Williams of Marianna received honorable mention.
Williams’ 7-year-old daughter, Imani, was the youngest person to nominate her father.
Each winner was given a trophy. McClain was also given a cash award from the association.
Other nominees for the title were the Revs. Dwight Cockerham, Shannon Gibson and William Harvey, Bishop John McMillon and Eugene Pittman.
All nominees received gift bags.