The street, which runs between the Hall County Courthouse and the Joint Administration Building is named in memory of Henry O. Ward, Sr., the only person to serve as both Gainesville Mayor and Hall County Commission Chairman.
Ward also served for 24 years as Hall County Coroner.
Ward's widow, Jean, and his children were on hand for the dedication.
"I think would have appreciated this," Jean Ward said. "It's very nice what the Comission has done."
The street is a section of Green Street that was closed when the new courthouse was built and it was named in Ward's memory earlier this year by the Gainesville City Council.
A highlight of Ward's tenure as mayor came in 1964 when President Lyndon Johnson visited Gainesville to launched his war on poverty. Ward rode with LBJ in a motorcade through the city. Others in the car with him and the president included Sen. Herman Talmadge.
*The following is the text of the plaque that was unveiled Thursday morning:
HENRY O. WARD
1926-2000
Henry O. Ward earned the singular distinction of serving both as Mayor of the City of Gainesville and the Chairman of the Hall County Board of Commissioners.
The youngest son of H. Bryce Ward and Sadie Bell Braselton Ward of Braselton, he spent his childhood in Gainesville where he attended the city schools and graduated Gainesville High in 1944. He attended Presbyterian College on a football scholarship. He returned to his beloved hometown and operated Ward's Funeral Home with his brother for thirty-five years.
Ward, a legendary storyteller and historian, had a great love for the community and its people. Elected Coroner for Hall County for twenty-four years, he was also elected to the Gainesville City Commission (1963-72). During his term as Mayor, he hosted President Lyndon B. Johnson on this site where more than 50,000 people attended. He was elected Chairman of the Hall County Board of Commissioners in 1979 and served through 1984.
A lifetime member and officer of the Gainesville First United Methodist Church, a member and director of the Kiwanis Club and avid supporter of Gainesville High athletics, he also donated countless hours to the American Red Cross.
Coupling his love for people and the storied history of the community, Ward utilized his knowledge to benefit all who called upon him in business, government or family matters.
Sustaining his memorable legacy and acclaimed service to his beloved community, the Gainesville City Council named "Henry Ward Way" on August 15, 2006. The street connects the seats of the city and county governments.
http://accesswdun.com/article/2007/7/87150