FRIENDS AND NEIGHBORS
Troup benefits from Bill Lacy's commitment
BY SUZANNE LOUDAMY Staff writer

It may not be Oz, but to Bill Lacy, there's no place like home.

He is very proud of being a "home-grown" boy. When Bill Lacy went away to Sam Houston State University and completed his B.A. in economics and finance, he could have taken that education and gone anywhere to start his family and career. After all, most kids who grow up in small towns can't wait for the opportunity to leave and only return for Mother's Day and Christmas. Not Lacy.

"I wanted my kids to have the same experiences I had growing up in this town," Lacy said. He fondly reminisced about walking home from school and stopping for a Coke at Farmer's as he walked to his grandmother's house.

"I had it made here. Everyone looked out each other. That's what I want for my kids," Lacy said.

When the Kilgore National Bank decided to open its first branch office, they chose Troup and they chose Lacy as their vice president and branch manager. The Troup Banking Center is a community hub of activity, and Lacy enjoys being a part of what's going on there. He invites the community to join them on Friday, Dec. 8 from 3-5 p.m. for refreshments, a visit with Santa and to bring unwrapped gifts for Troup Cares.

"Banking like it used to be" is a phrase used in the bank's advertising, Lacy explained. And that really seems to fit his way of doing things as well. He is all about the simple life, but with progress in mind.

As a member of board of directors of the Chamber of Commerce, Lacy has some progressive ideas for strengthening the business community of Troup. He is willing to work within his community through the Rotary Club as well as the Cherokee County Appraisal District board to plan a brighter future for all of Troup.

His enthusiasm for excellence in education shows through his commitment to the students as he ser ves as a trustee for Troup ISD. "I ran the first time because I was asked," he said. After that it was an easy decision to stay on.

Lacy says the current board, all Troup ISD graduates, has so much to offer through their

service. "There is a lot of wisdom on that board," Lacy said. "When I came on, I didn't come with any agenda. I came on to listen and to learn and to do what I could to help."

"Bill is a model for all young people in Troup ISD. He is the kind of person we hold up for our students to emulate," said Marvin Beaty, superintendent of schools for Troup ISD.

Lacy's love for children shows in the work he does each Sunday morning, along with his wife Aida, at the First Baptist Church of Mixon. They teach the Kindergarten and first grade Sunday School class there. He also ser ves his church as the secretary of the deacons and on the building and planning committee.

Having such deep roots in Troup, Lacy believes strongly in supporting the town that has supported him all these years. He says he has just followed the example of his parents, Jerry and Dorothy Lacy, in loving and serving his community.

Longtime friend and former classmate John Lowdermilk said, "You can count on Bill to always be there. He has a strong commitment to his family, friends, church and community."

There has to be something said for "growing where you're planted." Bill Lacy certainly has, and look at the harvest Troup is reaping from the growth.