Getting your Trinity Audio player ready...

Leith Wilson was named the Selma Rotary Club Citizen of the Year on Monday at Cornerstone Presbyterian Church.

Wilson is the first Rotary Citizen of the Year since 2019. When Rotary president Collins Pettaway III announced Wilson as the top citizen for Selma and Dallas County, the color drained his face. Wilson, the Rotary Club’s sergeant-at-arms, admitted he was shocked to receive the award. His wife, Tammy Wilson, also attended.

“You surprised me,” Wilson said. “I’m humbled and overwhelmed. I love our club and serving our community. I love working with people for the betterment of our community. I love working with the Boys Scouts.”

Several Rotary members paid tribute to Wilson, senior district executive for the Crane District, which covers Dallas, Perry and Wilcox counties.

Attorney Bill Gamble said Wilson perfectly exemplified what Rotary stood for service above self and dedication to the community. Pettaway said the Rotary committee met and the selection of Wilson was all but a no-brainer. 

Randall Miller, owner of Randall Miller Funeral Service, was the last Selma Rotary member named Citizen of the Year in 2019.