In a move that left more than one tear-stained eye in the crowd, the Coweta County Commissioners Tuesday named the new recreation complex on Ga. Highway 16 after Commissioner Vernon “Mutt” Hunter and his family.

The new park will be known as the Hunter Complex, as a tribute to Hunter's more than 40 years of service to Coweta County, said Commissioner Jim McGuffey.

In a moving tribute, McGuffey said Hunter worked for Coweta County from 1950-1998 and served 26 of those years as the county's administrator.

“I don't think any other administrator in the state can boast that length of service,” McGuffey said.

In 1992, Hunter decided to run for county commissioner and is now serving in his second term.

“He's one of the main reasons why Coweta County has a balanced budget now,” added McGuffey.

McGuffey acknowledged that Hunter has had his critics over the years, but said Hunter has “given his life to Coweta County” and has “more knowledge in his little finger” about the county than McGuffey has in his whole body.

The other commissioners were equally glowing in their assessments of Hunter's achievements and Commissioner Robert Wood said Hunter has had a huge impact on his political career.

“He has been a training tool for me,” Wood said.

After the commissioners unanimously passed naming the park for Hunter, the crowd, including Hunter's wife, Sue, and his two sisters, rose as one to give him a standing ovation.

Hunter was visibly moved by the actions of the board and the crowd response.

“I can handle people giving me the devil. This really gets to me,” he said.

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