The City of Troy honored Grady Homer Reeves by dedicating a building in his honor on Thursday. The Grady Homer Reeves Utility Complex is located adjacent to City Hall on Charles W. Meeks Avenue.

Former Troy Mayor Jimmy Lunsford told a few stories about the contributions Reeves made to the City of Troy as its public works and utility director. During that time, Reeves initiated Troy’s utility partnership with other cities and later was responsible for Troy breaking free of the coalition to become an independent energy supplier to the city’s 7,800 residents. At the time, Reeves recommended the city float a bond issue, buy a big block of power from a utility supplier.

“It cost us some money,” Lunsford said. “But it was the best money we ever spent.”

Lunsford said the savings had a domino effect. The money allowed Troy to build a new sewage treatment plant and having the sewage in place attracted new business to the area.

“We’ve grown so much in recent years. But nobody will ever touch the decisions made by Mr. Homer Reeves,” Lunsford said.

Lunsford called Reeves a true southern gentleman and a great Christian who has earned the respect of the community.

Reeves was also strong enough to convince the City Council to listen to him.

“When Mr. Homer speaks, we listen,” Lunsford said.

Councilman Greg Meeks and former Troy Councilman Wanda Moultry were two of the people who pushed to honor Reeves. Moultry said the dedication and renaming has been in the works for several years.

“I’m a firm believer that you give honor to those where honor is due. Mr. Homer has done a lot that has helped local people,” she said. “It was a privilege for me to do that.”

Reeves is Mayor Jason Reeves’ grandfather. After the city council unanimously passed a resolution to rename the building earlier this year, the mayor thanked the council on behalf of his family.

“I know no finer man and I know very few who have had the impact that he had,” the Mayor said. “I am deeply honored and humbled by this, as my family is.”

Grady Reeves spoke on behalf of his father at the ceremony, which was attended by nearly 200 people who crowded inside City Hall due to inclement weather outside.

“Words can’t express our appreciation,” he said. “Thank you all so much.”