Marcus Byrd, a longtime Dawson County resident, businessman and Boy Scout leader, will be remembered when a bridge across the Etowah River is dedicated in his name Thursday, Jan. 8, at 2 p.m.
The bridge is located on Highway 53, approximately three miles east of downtown Dawsonville.
Parking for the event is at Uncle Shucks, east of the bridge.
Marcus Byrd and his business partner, Don Stephens, were responsible for much of the growth around Ga. 400 and Highway 53. The pair brought the first chain grocery store into Dawson County, and the first major shopping center that currently includes Ingles.
Marcus was also dedicated to the Boy Scouts, and even after his son was grown, he stayed involved for 30-plus years, House Rep. Kevin Tanner said. Through his leadership, many Boy Scouts did great projects in our community.
Tanners Eagle Scout project was one of them.
Back in the mid-80s, there were no street signs in Dawsonville, Tanner said, explaining his Eagle project. If you werent from here, you had no idea where you were.
Tanner researched the citys streets to determine their correct legal names and how many there were. Next, he estimated the cost of signage and posts and raised money from local businesses to cover expenses.
Under Marcuss leadership, we got a group of boys together and installed the signs, Tanner said. He encouraged me to stay involved in the community, and it kept me out of trouble. Some of the leadership abilities I have came from Marcus. I try to emulate people like him.
Deborah Tellfry, Byrds daughter, said she feels honored.
Kevin is a very special young man, and we feel very blessed that he thought to remember Daddy, she said. Daddy loved this county and its people. If Daddy could come back right now and see how everything has grown, hed be grinning from ear to ear. His dreams are being fulfilled.
Tanner said no taxpayer money is being used to pay for the new sign at the bridge. He plans to personally cover the costs, $300 to $400.
The public is invited to attend the naming ceremony.