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Dear Editor:

We knew the day would come when Joe Crine would no longer be associated in-person with the Post Searchlight, however as with the retirement of your favorite doctor or your longtime pastor, the loss of a person you hold in a place of honor and respect is never a welcomed occurrence. Several generations of folks in Decatur County have now experienced the writings of Mr. Crine as well as his daily photographic documentation of the contemporary history of our community.

We all enjoy being recognized for our efforts and the Bainbridge High School band chose a number of years ago to name their “service to the band” and the students of the band program in the name of Joe Crine. My father received this award on his 90th birthday in 2009 and, other than the recognition for his country during World War II, did any award have a greater impact. As a young boy living on a small farm in southeast Decatur County my father learned at an early age of the importance of dedication to your community through service, especially to young students. The award provided by the band program only enhanced his belief that the generation of students in the first decade of the new century were being nurtured through the dedication by individuals such as Mr. Crine.

A period in the history of the county and our students is now ending with the news of Joe’s retirement. We were all fortunate to have him in our midst and in our community for the past fifty years. His family is fortunate to now have him near and it will be our loss.

Joe, we will all miss you and the contributions through your dedication and sincerity through the years.

-Emory Johnson