Serving Barnwell County and it's neighbors since 1852
Pickens Williams Sr. (left) is the Citizen of the Year for the City of Barnwell while Barry Creech (right) of Creech Auto & Electric won Business of the Year.
City of Barnwell’s Mayor Rivera awards Pickens Williams Sr. with the 2022 Citizen of the Year award.
Barry Creech and City Administrator Lynn McEwen share a laugh while Creech receives the 2022 City of Barnwell Business of the Year award.
The City of Barnwell started a new tradition this year to recognize excellence. Citizen of the Year and Business of the Year were awarded to two residents who have gone above and beyond to serve the community.
At the annual December 3, 2022 Christmas parade and tree lighting, former Barnwell City Councilman Pickens Williams Sr. and Barry Creech of Creech Auto and Electric Services were awarded as the first Citizen of the Year and Business of the Year, respectively.
“Congratulations to both of these gentlemen for being the first City of Barnwell Citizen and Business of the Year,” said Councilman Ron Still in a Facebook post about the accomplishments of both Williams and Creech.
Both were nominated by Rick Holcombe.
Pickens Williams Sr.
Williams' service to his community began long before holding any elected offices.
He first started serving the community as a student bus driver and continued to serve his nation as a staff sergeant in the National Guard for nine years.
In 1968, Williams was elected to the Barnwell School District 45 school board where he served for nearly a decade, with three of those years as chairman.
Ten years later in August 1978, Williams was appointed by the Barnwell County Council to serve on the Vocational School Board (now the Barnwell County Career Center) until 1988. Williams served as chairman of this board from 1986-88.
Williams was also an original member of the Barnwell County Transportation Committee where he served for two years.
“He has his name on more dedications than anyone in Barnwell with a total of six,” said Councilman Still. “These include the science wing and the football stadium at Barnwell High School, Lemon Park, Barnwell City Hall, City of Barnwell Law Enforcement Center and one of the city fire trucks.”
In 1996, he was elected to the Barnwell City Council where he served for 25 years until his resignation in June 2021. During his time as a city councilman he served as Mayor Pro-Tem when former Mayor Ed Lemon retired in 2018.
Aside from his service in office, Williams was one of the original owners of Still & Williams.
Creech Auto and Electric Services
Located on Main Street, Creech Auto and Electric Services and its owner, Barry Creech, have served the Barnwell community for many years.
Creech Auto and Electric Services have been handling the automotive needs of Barnwell County since January 1990.
Creech has served as a youth baseball coach in Barnwell County for over 25 years. During this time, he coached his son and grandchildren as well.
“You have worked hard for many years and have earned your key to the city. Proud of you and love you lots,” said Creech’s daughter, Stacey Epps.
The Citizen of the Year and Business of the Year awards are given to a person and place who have gone above and beyond to benefit the community. Each awardee received a commemorative license plate with the city’s logo, a plaque of recognition, and a key to the city.
Nominations are made to the City of Barnwell via their website or a form available at City Hall in early December, and winners are announced at annual holiday festivities.
