They say (whoever they' may be) that no man is a hero in his own hometown.

We'll take issue with that statement, citing the late great Hank Williams of Georgiana, who not only is enshrined there, but is internationally worshipped as the best of the best in the field of "county and western" music.

There's another native Georgianian, yclept Lawrence Ralphy Stacy, who emerged on the scene June 24, 1957.

This latter-day South Butler Countian may not have yet achieved global noteriety, but differs from his predecessor in that he is multi-talented, whereas Hank's genius was one-faceted.

My next door neighbor (Stacy) currently serves as president and chief executive officer of the Chamber of Commerce Association of Alabama, with offices in the Capitol City, Montgomery.

In this capacity, he oversees the operations of the every local chamber throughout the state.

But that ain't the end of the story.

Rafe (that's my colloquialism for my neighbor) does not, and has never limited his activities to just one endeavor.

For example, another foray of his lies in expounding the holy Christian gospel to the flock at Greenville's Woodland Heights Methodist Church.

He is an ordained minister whose duties entitle him to the dispensing of the rites of matrimony and funeral officiating.

He also emcees many local events, not the least of which includes the annual Achiever Awards ceremony that honors the top high school students of Butler County.

From the vantage point in Montgomery, Rafe is frequently seen on television describing wares of various merchants.

He also shares his knowledge with the wide-ranging public when asked to do so.

As a graduate of Huntingdon College, he is well-suited to deal with matters in a multiplicity of other areas.

Stacy was on the golf team while in college, where that aggregation later earned two national championships.

Today, golf remains his numero uno sporting activity whenever time provides the opportunity.

He and his wife Angel have a daughter, Savannah, who is a member of the Junior Beta Club at Fort Dale Academy.

So, you see, being a hero in one's hometown is a viable likelihood, regardless of what they' may say.