Grenada’s George Frazier was presented the Exchange Club of Grenada’s 48th Book of Golden Deeds Award last Thursday night for his years of service throughout the community.
Several family members and friends at the Ms. Emma’s Dining Room accompanied Frazier on the Historic Downtown Square when he received the honor.
“I’m deeply honored to receive this award and I want to thank the Exchange Club,” Frazier said. “This came as a big surprise and I’m taking it all in right now. I’ve been around for a long time and this feels good.”
The Book of Golden Deeds recognizes the good work of heroes and heroines of everyday life.
Receiving the award shocked Frazier as the Exchange Club members notified him moments before family members, friends and fellow members of Worshipful Master Grenada Lodge No. 31 entered the Ms. Emma’s. Pictures of Frazier were obtained by his family members and shown on a slideshow from his early years in the 1950s through today.
Exchange Club members served dinner to family and friends of Frazier and took the podium to recognize him both with words of kindness and reflection.
“George is so deserving of this award,” his sister, Wanda Roche, said. “There’s nothing like singing someone’s praises and giving them their roses, so they hear and see it.”
Last year, Frazier, 73, was named Eminent Grand Commander, the Grand Commander of Knights Templar of Mississippi. With that he became the highest-ranking Masonic official in the state.
Frazier was born in Grenada and is a graduate of John Rundle High School and Holmes Community College. His college roommate, Jerry Harrell, of Grenada said Frazier has always been a dedicated and honest person. He said the work that Frazier has done over the years can be seen even today.
“The fire departments in the city and county are what they are today because of George Frazier,” Harrell said. “The county got 911 because of George. He’s always been a true leader.”
For years, Frazier was employed by the Grenada Fire Department and retired as Grenada County Civil Defense Director.
The Exchange Club’s Book of Golden Deeds serves as Grenada’s Lifetime Achievement Award. President Joan Stewart said Frazier was honored for his good works in Grenada with such a strong desire.
Nationally, the Book of Golden Deeds first originated in 1917, and was started in 1973 in Grenada with Lizzie Horn being the first recipient.
A book recording the evening’s events will be made in Frazier’s name and stored at the Elizabeth Jones Library. Elizabeth Jones received the Book of Golden Deeds in 1987. The Book of Golden Deeds recipient will also ride in the Christmas parade.
