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Davy James Lindsey, left, was inducted into the Opp Hall of Fame by Councilman LaVaughn Hines. (PHOTO BY ZACK MAIO)

Larry DeWayne Presley was inducted into the Opp Hall of Fame posthumously. Pictured are, from left, Merrill Culverhouse, Steven Presley, Glenda Presley, and Neil Presley. (PHOTO BY ZACK MAIO)

Joni Lolley was recognized for her efforts as the executive director of the Opp Chamber of Commerce. Pictured are, from left, Matthew Simmons, Chamber President April Cox, Lolley, and Past Chamber President Chance McCurley. (PHOTO COURTESY OF THE OPP CHAMBER)

The 2025 Dr. Jason Cain Memorial Award was presented to Tykeria Banks, center. Pictured are, from left, (front) Octavia Still, Banks, Elizabeth Davis, Ben Davis; (back) Larry Jackson and Mellissa Jackson. (PHOTO BY ZACK MAIO)

The 2025 Trail Master of the Year Award was presented to Robert Paul Norris, right. He is pictured with presenter William Schofield. (PHOTO COURTESY OF THE OPP CHAMBER)

The 2025 Spirit of Opportunity Award was presented to Meals of Love. Pictured are, from left, presenter Trey Poole,Jan Hart, Melissa Cook, Lisa Hamilton, Buddy Metcalf, Jenny Adams, Julia Swain, Reva Metcalf, and Bill Stocke. (PHOTO COURTESY OF THE OPP CHAMBER)

The 2025 Business of the Year Award was presented to Southern Independent Bank. Pictured are, from left, (front) Carolyn Graham, Beth Osborn, Molly Blair, Robbin Northey, Katie Smith, Robbin Pierce, Brandy Adams; (back) Bob Lawrence, Brett Ballard, Micah Garner, Jessie Self, and Tom Kersey. (PHOTO BY ZACK MAIO)

The 2025 One of Opp’s Own Award was presented to Sheriff Blake Turman, left. He is pictured with Mark Kyser. (PHOTO BY ZACK MAIO)

A special award added this year was the 2025 Opp Historian Award presented to Trippy McGuire, right. He is pictured with Councilman Gary Strickland. (PHOTO BY ZACK MAIO)

The Opp and Covington County Area Chamber of Commerce honored outstanding individuals and two local businesses at its annual Hall of Fame Banquet on Tuesday, June 10.

The event took place at the Fellowship Center of the First Baptist Church of Opp and was catered by Whippoorwill Cottage Catering.

“Congratulations to our award recipients and Hall of Fame inductees and their families,” Opp Chamber Executive Director Joni Lolley said. “The Hall of Fame Banquet is about honoring those who make a huge impact in our community. We are blessed beyond measure to have you here in our hometown, working every day to make a difference.”

The Opp High School Ambassadors, SGA, and Volleyball served a three-course meal prior to the ceremony. Guests enjoyed seven-layer salad as an appetizer, followed by roast beef with twice baked potatoes and sweet green beans for the entrée. Dessert options included butternut cake and chocolate Coca-Cola cake. Beverages included sweet tea and water.

Chamber President April Cox welcomed the sold-out crowd. The banquet marked her final official act as president before Matthew Simmons assumes the role in July.

“Tonight, we gather to honor individuals who have left a lasting mark on our community. This evening would not be possible without the incredible support we have received,” Cox said. “To our honorees: tonight is for you. Your impact is felt far and wide, and we are grateful for your commitment to making Opp a better place for all of us.”

President-Elect Matthew Simmons, who will begin his term as president in July, recognized sponsors of the banquet and special guests. Past President Chance McCurley gave the invocation.

Opp Hall of Fame 2025 Inductees
Davy James Lindsey and Larry DeWayne Presley were inducted into the city’s Hall of Fame. Hall of Fame recipients were first awarded in 1978 to nine individuals and have been awarded annually with the exception of 2020 due to the pandemic. Lindsey was inducted by Councilman LaVaughn Hines. Presley was inducted by Merrill Culverhouse.

Davy James Lindsey
Born near Danley Crossroads in Coffee County, Davy’s life has been defined by service, leadership, and an unwavering commitment to faith and community. A 1972 graduate of Opp High School and a multi-sport athlete, he went on to serve his country in both the United States Air Force and the U.S. Army Reserves, retiring after 26 years of military service.

“I thank God for this opportunity to be included with some of the great names in Opp history,” Lindsey said. “It’s an honor to be written down with some of these great names in this Hall of Fame. There are a lot of people who are worthy of acceptance that are not recognized, but God knows who you are. You get your rewards in due time.”

Larry DeWayne Presley
Glenda Presley, Steven Presley, and Neil Presley accepted the award on his behalf.

Born in Florala, Larry Presley dedicated his life to serving others, through his work, his faith, and his unwavering commitment to the community of Opp. A proud graduate of Auburn University’s College of Pharmacy, Larry moved to Opp in 1968 and later became the owner of Larry’s Prescriptions, Inc., where he built a legacy of care, mentorship, and excellence.

Throughout his career, Larry was a respected leader in the pharmacy field, founding the Covington County Pharmacy Association and receiving the 2017 Bowl of Hygeia Award, the highest honor for community service in the profession.

He served the Opp area for 41 years before his passing in 2020, but his influence continues to shape lives every day.

“As much as we would love for Daddy to be here, it’s probably fitting that he’s not because I think he would have declined the attention and the recognition. We are so thankful to be here together,” Steven Presley said. “Those of you who knew Larry Presley would agree that two words that best epitomized who he was are the words ‘humble’ and ‘servant.’ From the beginning of his career here, he embraced the role of small town pharmacist and served his customers as if they were family.”

Dr. Jason Cain Memorial Award
The Dr. Jason Cain Memorial Award 2025 recipient is Tykeria Banks. Chad Sutton was the presenter of the award.

Trail Master of the Year Award
The Trail Master of the Year Award 2025 recipient is Robert Paul Norris. William Schofield was the presenter of the award.

Spirit of Opportunity Award
The Spirit of Opportunity Award 2025 recipient is Meals of Love. Trey Poole was the presenter of the award.

Business of the Year Award
The Business of the Year Award 2025 recipient is Southern Independent Bank. Matthew Simmons was the presenter of the award.

One of Opp’s Own Award
The One of Opp’s Own Award 2025 recipient is Sheriff Blake Turman. Mark Kyser was the presenter of the Award. Turman served as the keynote speaker of the event.

“What an honor it is to be here tonight among family and friends. I see so many people out here I look up to and also some I didn’t expect to be here tonight,” Turman said. “I’m truly humbled and privileged to have grown up in Opp, Alabama. I’m thankful to my parents and family for giving me the opportunity to be such a part of a close-knit and caring community. Growing up here was truly a joy surrounded by people who looked out for one another and played meaningful roles in the lives of so many.”

Opp Historian Award
The Opp Historian Award 2025 recipient is Trippy McGuire. Councilman Gary Strickland was the presenter of the Award.

The banquet was made possible by the generous support of the following sponsors: PowerSouth, CCB Community Bank, Southeast Gas, Bowers Equipment Repair, Southern Independent Bank, Small Town Donuts, RyanO’s Wings, Body Conscious, All In Credit Union, and The J Reed Agency.

The Opp and Covington County Area Chamber of Commerce is located at 104 West Covington Avenue in Opp.

For more information visit oppcoc.net, email joni@oppcoc.net, or call the Opp and Covington County Area Chamber of Commerce at 334-493-3070.

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