By PHOEBE DONALD ROBINSON / Community Columnist

Sunday, Nov. 1 was declared by proclamation to be “Bobby Joe Seales Day” by Columbiana Mayor Stancil Handley.

Seales was honored by the Shelby County Historical Society with a celebratory day of remembrance and reception for his 16 years of service as president of the society and executive director of the Shelby County Museum and Archives.

The celebration was held at the Old Courthouse. Seales retired from both positions on Nov. 1.

The event began with the invocation by Barry Sadler, presentation of colors led by the Thompson High Air Force JROTC followed by the pledge of allegiance led by Eagle Scout and Shelby County High School honor student Nicholas Chappell. Robert Robinson Jr. sang “What a Wonderful World.”

The new officers were elected and installed for the society: President Dr. Fred Olive; First Vice President Bill Justice; Second VP Dr. Jim Day; Third VP Scott Martin; Secretary Lt. Col. (Ret.) Glenn Nivens; Treasurer Jennifer Maier (new museum executive director); and Historian Rachel Clinkscale.

Serving with the officers on the board of directors are David Nolen, Ricky Harmon, Peter Datcher, Jim Lewis, Clem Muck, Josh Arnold, Della Fancher and Dr. Tim Nettles.

Diane and Bobby Joe Seales donated a portrait of Isaac Shelby to the museum.

Shelby was an American Revolutionary War hero and namesake for Shelby County.

DAR Daughter and Shelby’s ancestor Karen Jenson came in period dress and gave greetings.

Special certificates of appreciation and proclamations were given to Seales and presented by: Gov. Robert Bentley (Nolen); joint legislative resolution (Rep. April Weaver, Rep. Mike Hill and Sen. Cam Ward); Congressman Gary Palmer (Ray Millett); Shelby County Commission (President Rick Sheppard); Circuit Clerk Mary Harris; Alabama Department of Archives (Tom Turley); American Village Washington Award of Merit (Martha Lewis) Alabama Baptist Historical Commission (Elizabeth Wells); University of Montevallo; Daughters of American Revolution (NSDAR Vice President General Connie Grund); Sons of American Revolution (SAR Southern District Vice President General Michael Wells); Church of Jesus Christ and latter-day Saints Christos statue (Clem Muck and Bessemer Stake Counselor Barry Sadler); key to Columbiana (Columbiana Mayor Pro temp Ouida Mayfield, Jon Harrison and Maier); Westover (Mayor Mark McLaughlin); key to Alabaster (Mayor Marty Handlon); Columbiana Merchants and Professionals Association (President Jim Davis); South Shelby Chamber (President Dr. Ben Smith); Probate Judge Jim Fuhrmeister; and honorary membership to Shelby County Historical Society.

The society named the museum foyer “Seales Room.”

Rep. Mike Shaw gave final remarks.

Wife Diane Seales was presented with a corsage donated by Susan Conn, Main Street Florist.

Dale Herbert won the door prize bike donated by Muck.

A reception followed with food donated by Southern Sweets and the ASDAR David Lindsay Chapter and flowers by Conn.

In Seales’ farewell speech, he outlined his productive 16 years with the society and museum and thank his many friends and supporters.

“Always love, respect and protect your heritage and history,” said Seales. “History never written is soon forgotten. Thank you and God bless each and every one of you.”