Rick Patrick: Greene Publishing, Inc.
What has taken over a year to accomplish finally came to pass on Tuesday, Oct. 17 when a section of Hwy. 53 N was dedicated as “Joe C. Peavy Memorial Highway.” Highway 53 North from US Hwy. 90 to the state line is now Joe C. Peavy Memorial Highway.
The Florida Legislature voted to rename the highway during the last legislative session, but the process of naming the highway began over a year ago. According to Madison County Commissioner Rick Davis, that was when a citizen approached the County Commissioners with the idea of naming the highway in honor of the late, long-time Madison County Sheriff and Highway Patrol Officer. At the time, Peavy had retired as Madison County Sheriff after 28 years of service in that office. Peavy had previously served the Florida Highway Patrol for 16 years as a trooper. Peavy passed away Nov. 19, 2016 at the age of 84.
During the dedication service at the Madison County Courthouse, family, friends, former co-workers and several state dignitaries gathered to again pay tribute to Peavy and to honor the occasion. Madison County Commissioner Alston Kelly gave a moving recount of his experiences working with Peavy as a juvenile justice officer. “Sheriff Joe and I did not always agree on everything, but I can honestly say that there is not one person outside my family that I loved more than Joe Peavy,” said Kelly as he choked back tears. Florida State Senator Bill Montford was on hand to share his thoughts. Montford spoke of the fact that so many sheriffs from so many different counties had attended Peavy's funeral service nearly a year ago and many law enforcement officials from around the state had attended the dedication ceremony. This was evidence of the level of respect Peavy had enjoyed from his peers. State Representative Halsey Beshears was also present to share his thoughts and remembrances of Peavy.
Naming a portion of Hwy. 53 after Peavy is a fitting tribute to the man who exemplified the very meaning of service to others; especially to the people of Peavy's beloved Madison County. Peavy truly loved Madison County's people, and those who had the pleasure of knowing “Sheriff Joe” no doubt returned that sentiment.