When an individual achieves unique exposure of their goodness and lives, it is good to see local citizens have positive recall from years before. Recently, a couple of such gentlemen from Marion County ran into each other at Perry Wellness Center.

Rocky Wade stopped by Rudy’s Happy Patch Market in search of plants for placement in his church, Buena Vista United Methodist. He places such plants in memory of his wife, Patty Swint Wade. Later he will transfer some of the plants to her grave and give another to his son, Heath. In addition to his devotion of family, this gentleman is known as a folk art enthusiast and is a renowned wood carver and antique merchant.

The other noted gentleman from Marion County was someone who attended the same historic church when he lived there – namely, Stuart Perry, the founder and CEO of Perry Wellness Center.

Stuart says, “Rocky and I had some great renewal when he was here. I am proud to know him. He is a real standout for his creative work and recognition of Southwest Georgia.”

Stuart, of course, has his own renown, mainly for his pioneering work in peer support activities. He received many national awards after completing his 1,000 mile Journey for Life to promote mental health and the need for depression screening.

We’re glad these two Marion County gents got a chance to catch up. In the photo above, Rocky Wade, left, selects a perfect tomato with staffer Lacey Jefferson, center, while talking with Stuart Perry, right.