Roy Thompson, Chair of the Bulloch County Commission announced the renaming of the Southern Gateway Commerce Park to the Bruce Yawn Commerce Park.
Thompson made this announcement on Monday evening at the inaugural Statesboro-Bulloch Chamber of Commerce's State of the Region and Business Expo held at GS J.I. Clements Stadium.
"Tonight I want share with all of you a special resignation that will mean a great deal to all of us, particularly me. As you know several years ago Bulloch County and the Development Authority of Bulloch County partnered to purchase property at the intersection of Hwy. 301 South and Interstate 16. This property was anticipated to be the beginning of our industrial recruitment at the interstate," said Chairman Thompson.
"The county then partnered with the City of Statesboro to have water and sewer run out to this development. It has taken some time and patience but we are beginning to see the fruits of our labor and commitments now with the location of Aspen Aerogels and our new Travel Centers of America fuel station at Southern Gateway Commerce Park.
As we worked on this development there was one very important person involved in everything. This person was an important part of the city utilities conversation. He was involved in the negotiations of Travel Centers of America and he was at the center of the recruitment of Aspen Aerogels to our community.
Chances are that many of you knew him well and were touched by him in some way in your own lives.
Tonight on behalf of the Development Authority of Bulloch County and the Bulloch County Board of Commissioners I have the honor of announcing the renaming of the Development Authorities Industrial Park at the Interstate 16 to Bruce Yawn Commerce Park. Now that is something else!
We lost Bruce to soon earlier this year, but his impact on our lives remains with us every day. We hope that this recognition will allow us to remember Bruce and his service to our community as chair of our Development Authority."
Chairman Thompson then recognized members of Bruce's family in the audience including his wife Carol, daughters Nancy and Susan along with his son Jeff.
Chairman Thompson then showed a T-shirt given to him with Hank Aaron's signature on it. He then pulled out two Snooky's T-shirts given to him and his wife Deborah a few days before he closed the restaurant. On the back Bruce wrote, "Thanks, Bruce Yawn." "Bruce was probably one of the best friends I ever had," said Chairman Thompson.
Then he held the shirts up and said, "Not Hank Aaron, a great man, but Bruce Yawn signed these for Deborah and myself and we will treasure these forever. We want even wear them. Because he signed them.
"Some of you knew Bruce as probably the most sarcastic man you ever met. The better the friend he was to you, the more sarcastic his comments. For those of you who went to Snooky's and ate you know what I am talking about. He was a great man, a great Bulloch Countian. I wish he was still here, but he legacy goes on. His wife, kids and grandkids still live here and love you all as much as Bruce did," said Chairman Thompson.
Known for Snooky's
Bruce was best known as the owner of the iconic Snooky’s restaurant which closed on Saturday, February 18, 2012. Bruce’s friends knew him for his quick wit, sage advice (that at the time may not have seemed like advice), passion to help move his hometown forward and deep love for his family.
After closing Snooky’s restaurant, almost ten years ago, Bruce remained very active in our community. He became the manager of Willow Pond Senior Career for several years before retiring again.
He was the current Chairman of the Advisory Board for Synovus bank and Chairman of the Statesboro-Bulloch Development Authority. He was a founder and longtime supporter of the Deen Day Smith Service to mankind awards.
