Wednesday, January 23, 2002
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Wednesday, January 23, 2002 |
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Jack's is gone Tyrone marks passing of an American institution the town grocery store By JOHN THOMPSON
For the first time in 15 years, Tyrone is without a local grocery store. Earlier this month, owner Jack Johnson closed the doors at Jack's Market. The grocer has moved on to other opportunities, said Town Manager Barry Amos. But residents who want to shop locally will have two other chances in the near future. Amos said a meat market is planning to open in Jack's location and Publix still has plans to build on Ga. Highway 74. Still, the last vestige of a neighborhood grocery store caused nearly 100 people to pack Town Hall last Thursday and honor Johnson and his contributions to the community. Mayor Sheryl Lee read a proclamation honoring Johnson and declaring Jan. 17 as Jack Johnson Day in Tyrone. Lee broke down halfway through the reading of the proclamation. She said if it wasn't for Johnson and other local business leaders, Tyrone's recreation program would not be the success it is today. Other residents gave testimony to Johnson's giving spirit and said he was always there to help somebody in need. When one Delta employee lost his job, he told Johnson he didn't know how he was going to feed his kids. Johnson said as long he was at the market, the employee's kids would always be fed. Councilman Ronnie Cannon spoke of Johnson's dedication to the community and recited verses from Alan Jackson's song about the small businesses in Newnan closing down because of increased competition from the big chains. Johnson was noticeably moved by the accolades and thanked everybody for giving him a wonderful opportunity in the town.
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