The City of Barnwell is please to announce our very first awards for Citizen of the Year and Business of the Year.
We congratulate Pickens Williams, Sr. as Citizen of the Year. Mr. Williams started his public service as a student bus driver. In 1968, he was elected to the Barnwell District 45 school board and served nine years, three of those as chairman. In August of 1978, he was appointed by the Barnwell County Council to the then Vocational School Board until 1988. He served as Chairman from 1986-1988. He was appointed as an original member of the Barnwell County Transportation Committee and served two years. In 1996, he was elected to the Barnwell City Council and served until he resigned in June of 2021. He was one of the original owners of Still & Williams. He has his name on more dedications than anyone in Barnwell with a total of six. These include the science wing and the football stadium at Barnwell High School, City of Barnwell City Hall and Law Enforcement Center and one of the City Fire Trucks. He also served in the National Guard for nine years as a Staff Sergeant.
We also congratulate Creech Automotive as the Business of the Year. Barry Creech's father started Creech automotive in 1969. It has served the citizens of Barnwell and the surrounding area for over 50 years. His service and willingness to help our community has made him and his business a pleasure to have in Barnwell. Barry Creech served as a youth baseball coach for over 25 years, coaching his son and many of his grandchildren during this time.