50-plus notable people who shaped the new city

The following people are among the many who not only helped get Peachtree City off to a solid start 50 years ago but also have played significant roles in shaping the city as it continues to evolve. It is worth mentioning that many of the “old timers” on this list still live here.

We realize that despite our efforts this list is not complete. It is our hope that you will help us correct such omissions via email to editor@TheCitizen.com so we may continue to honor those who played major roles in making Peachtree City the wonderful place it is today.

Norman Paschal, owner of the city’s longest operating industry, which routinely reinvents its mission and is active in worldwide trade markets.

Dr. Henry Drake, Peachtree City’s first doctor.

Dan Lakly, served multiple elected terms as city councilman, county commissioner and state representative.

Paul Heard, state representative, former City Council member and one-time gubernatorial candidate.

Jimmy Booth, founder and publisher of the city’s first newspaper, “This Week in Peachtree City.”

“Brother” Myron Leach, the city’s first fire chief.

Louise Leach, the sister of Brother Leach, who answered and dispatched fire calls from her home.

Gerald Reed, who died as chief after presiding over a period of tremendous growth for the department.

Steve Black and Doug Mitchell, principals of Peachtree City Development Corporation, the company that by and large planned and developed Peachtree City from the late 1970s until now. PCDC is now known as Pathway Communities.

Jerry Peterson, a land planner who worked for PCDC, designed the median protecting a large stately tree at the intersection of Braelinn and Robinson Roads, and — incidentally — named the majority of villages, subdivisions and roads in Peachtree City.

Jim Williams, long-time City Planner regarded for getting the best out of developers. He’s now the city manager of Fairburn.

Jerry Cobb, volunteer director of The Great Georgia Airshow for many years.

Joel Cowan, Ralph Jones, Chip Conner, Howard Morgan, Herb Frady, Frederick Brown Jr., Bob Lenox and Steve Brown, former mayors who each played their own significant role in shaping the city.

Jim Basinger, city manager during a period of significant growth who routinely bragged about the hard work of his fellow city employees.

James Murray, the city’s longest-serving police chief who professionalized the department by securing state and national accreditation.

Bob Huddleston, one of the largest landowners in Peachtree City before it became a city. His farm encompassed the land on which Walmart and Home Depot now sit.

Sallie Satterthwaite, volunteer firefighter and EMT in the early days and documentarian of those days as a long-time newspaper columnist.

Jim and Marilyn Royal, owners of the city’s longest-standing restaurant, Partner’s Pizza, which keeps expanding.

Jim Hudson, owner of Hudson’s Grocery, the town’s first grocery store.

Frances Meaders, long-time city clerk who still attends occasional meetings when city officials need to be “set straight.”

M.T. Allen, the city’s longest-serving librarian.

Miriam Fulton, Peachtree City’s first Realtor.

Tom Farr, banker and former chairman of the Peachtree City Development Authority which operated and expanded the city’s tennis center.

Floy Farr, the father of Tom Farr, who ran Fayette State Bank, the city’s first bank that was crucial in financing many pioneer businesses in the city.

Stan Neely, who was instrumental in getting emergency medical service started in the city.

Joel Cowan, long considered the “father” of Peachtree City and also the city’s first mayor.

Pete Knox, the man who hired Cowan to spearhead the Peachtree City project.

Wright Lipford, one of the city’s first city attorneys.

Jim Savage, former airport manager for Falcon Field, which has become regarded as one of the finest general aviation airports in Georgia.

Bill Roquemore, built all three of Peachtree City’s golf courses: Flat Creek, Braelinn and Planterra.

Luther Glass, the venerable first president of Peachtree City’s Rotary Club.

Tutt Cawthorne, volunteer dedicated to reorganizing and developing the PTC library.

Arnold Cheek of Cheek’s Electronics, a repair business that received the first official business license in the city.

Robert K. Price who was one of the driving forces behind a play in 1976 at the city amphitheater that told the story of Chief William McIntosh.

Attorney Wesley Asinof, served as municipal court judge in the 1980s.

Mitch Powell, followed Asinof as municipal court judge after serving for many years as city attorney.

Jim Strickland, Rod Barkow, Vince Rossetti, Richard Bearden, Richard McCarl and Bill Barnwell are each considered “pioneer” builders who built the first homes in Peachtree City.

Reba and Claude Thompson – had the first pharmacy in town which included a lunch counter (famous for its homemade chicken salad) and a soda fountain.

Nick Harris and Jim Daughtry, the driving forces behind the creation of the Field of Hope, a handicap-accessible baseball field.

Luther Holt, a tireless supporter of recreation activities for children.

Colleen Sugar and Tate Godfrey, who helped lead the charge to create the Luther Holt All Children’s Playground at Picnic Park, designed so children of all abilities can play together.

Haskell Barber, the city’s first police chief.

Mike Smith, owner of the city’s first package store.

Ed Koons, city engineer in the early 1970s.

Marcy Curry, spearheaded the committee in charge of the city’s 25th anniversary celebration.

Know somebody who should be in this list? Commemorate their contributions by emailing names, dates and accomplishments to editor@TheCitizen.com. Put “PTC pioneers” in your email subject line. We will add them to our online “PTC Pioneers” story.