Lamar Geddis graduated from Carver High School in Columbus in 1971 and graduated from Mercer University in 1975 with a Bachelors of Arts.  He began his professional career as Unit Director of Second Street Boys and Girls Club, working there for 15 years and serving as a mentor, a counselor, a sports coach and most importantly a strong father figure for the at-risk youth in the neighborhood. Mr. Geddis encouraged and supported many of the community children, encouraging many of them to attend college and fostering some of the young men to pursue careers in professional sports.  He was also instrumental in helping others redirect their actions and turn their lives into positive examples for others in the community.

He continued his community service in his next job as the Executive Director of the Crisis Line of Middle Georgia for 13 years.  At Crisis Line, Mr. Geddis provided direction, counseling and support to victims of crime, domestic violence and sexual assault. He was active community leader, serving on the boards of Head Start and Douglass Theatre.  Lamar also worked as Chair of the Work Force Development Board for several years, serving as a liaison with two mayors and assisting in developing programs that provided summer jobs for youth, pre- employment work readiness education for adults and job placement.  He also worked cooperatively with other civic leaders to address dilemmas and challenges faced by community youth.

On top of all of these things, Mr. Geddis was also always very active in his church and a loving husband and father.  This fund is created to in memory of Mr. Lamar Geddis and to honor the legacy of his life of community service.  To learn more about Lamar’s story, click here.