Dent Temples, 1995 Man of the Year (L), and newly-honored Man of the Year Doug Roper, III.
The person who was recognized Tuesday night as the Vidalia Man of the Year is the epitome of the saying, "When the going gets tough, the tough get going!”
At the 76th Annual event, Doug Roper, III, was introduced as this year’s recipient by the 1995 Man of the Year, Dent Temples.
“Like the former recipients’, Doug exemplifies the qualities of a Citizen of the Year,” Temples said. “He serves with integrity. But above that, he’s a Christian and he makes others feel comfortable and important. He’s our current mayor, and just what we needed in the aftermath of Hurricane Helene. He organized our city for the citizens, and he’s done it all with the support of his family.”
Roper said he was “humbled by the recognition,” adding that family support was vital in kept him going.
“Most of you know my parents, Doug and Linda Roper,” the Man of the Year said. “I could not have picked better parents; they are amazing. You know, the last 10 months have been crazy from a tornado downtown, to Tropical Storm Debby, to the ‘500-Year Flood', to Hurricane Helene.”
And he jokingly said, “And then, I thought we were going to have to fire Josh [Beck, City Manager] when we got snow! It’s been a wild ride! But I couldn’t have done it without my family so to my beautiful bride Marlee, thank you for being my rock. To my boys Cutter and Durham, you guys are the apple of my eye. I love you all!”
He continued, “As I’ve said before, this storm may have forever changed the landscape of Vidalia, but it will never change the fabric of the people of Vidalia. I love this community, and I am honored.”
Doug Roper, III, has many credits to what earned him the designation as Man of the Year, including serving on multiple boards and committees, having served on both the local Board of Education and the state Board of Education. He worked at the Paul Anderson Youth Home, and currently at Vidalia Federal Savings Bank. He is active in his church and was even drafted a few years ago as a professional baseball player.
“My pro career didn’t last as long as I anticipated, but getting hurt early brought me back to Vidalia and I know God had His hand in it,” Roper said, “and He always knows what He’s doing.”
