By By BILL CRIST – Publisher
Although both of Brewton's Citizens of the Year shun publicity, their impact on the community has been considerable. Paul D. Owens Jr. and Thad Moore were recognized by friends and peers before being introduced as the businessperson and civic person of the year, respectively.
Among many other accomplishments, Owens has served as a softball coach, capital fund drive chairman for the Brewton Area YMCA, as president and director of the Brewton Rotary Club, served as president and director of the Brewton Country Club and has been a member of the executive board of the Gulf Coast Council of the Boys Scouts of America and served as finance committee chairman.
Owens is a Brewton native who went to college at the University of Alabama. While there, he received his bachelor of science degree and a law degree. He graduated in 1969 and served a tour of duty in Vietnam before returning to Brewton to begin his legal career.
Moore, a law partner with Otts, Moore and Coale, has lived in Brewton for over 33 years. He currently serves as president of the Escambia County Bar Association.
He has been active in many different civic organizations, including serving as president of the T.R. Miller Quarterback Club, a member of the Brewton Rotary Club, a former member of the board of directors of the Greater Brewton Area Chamber of Commerce, a member of the board of the East Escambia County Chapter of the American Red Cross and as a member and president of the Brewton City Board of Education.
Moore was instrumental in forming a chapter of Habitat for Humanity in Brewton, helped organize aid for the Kosovo refugees and serves on the Adult Protective Services Task Force.