Page 46 - Demo

Jay Shaw
Inspired a
New Generation
to Support, Serve
South Georgia
He has been described as a man deeply devoted to his faith in God, his family, his friends, and the people of South Georgia.
Jay Shaw understood South Georgia and was deeply committed to helping people. A successful businessman, he founded The Jay Shaw Company, an independent insurance agency. He also served on various boards, including Farmers and Merchants Bank.
As a young man, Shaw began his political career as the mayor of Lakeland, his hometown and the community where he and his wife, Libby, raised their two sons, Jason and Sam.
In 1993, Shaw was elected to the House of Representative and served for 17 years before being elected to the State Transportation Board in 2010, where he served until his death April 20, 2015.
The State Transportation Board recently honored its former board member with the o cial dedication of the James Slaton “Jay” Shaw Memorial Highway, which includes a portion of U.S. Highway 22/State Route 31 that connects Lowndes and Lanier counties.
Tim Golden, former state senator and representative for 24 years, said it was a privilege to work with Shaw in the General Assembly.
“Jay loved helping people and communities in South Georgia,” Golden said. “He brought so many di erent talents to the table that I don’t think people fully understood or appreciated. The best way I can describe Jay is to say ‘his currency was in people.’ He was a true public servant.”
Golden, who was elected to ll Shaw’s seat on the State Transportation Board, said he considers it an honor to continue the work his friend and colleague started.
“I want to ful ll Jay’s legacy, and part of that
is nishing the U.S. 84 four-lane project that runs from Homerville to Waycross,” Golden said. “This was important to Jay because he understood the economic impact this road has in transporting products across South Georgia,
46 SG MAGAZINE | SPRING 2017
PHOTO: CONTRIBUTED