The Opp and Covington County Chamber of Commerce Hall of Fame will induct Hubert Sullivan, who’s been a part of Opp’s history for more than 50 years.

A prominent figure in the Opp education system as well, as the textile industry, Sullivan served as the founding president of the Opp-Micolas Educational Foundation.

Sullivan moved his family to Opp in 1954, where he served as Opp High School principal until he was recruited in 1959 by the Mills to be the human resources and industrial relations director, a position he held until retirement in 1992.

He placed a strong emphasis on health and welfare, employee benefits, workers’ compensation, unemployment compensation and labor law – anything to benefit his people, James Kelso of the Chamber said.

Known for his kindness, warmth, friendliness and efficiency along with his sympathetic and understanding spirit, he is a strong asset to Opp, Kelso said.

He has done anything from fixing a leaky faucet to teaching Sunday School and chairing the administrative council or committees.

He is the oldest serving Rotarian and has been honored with Rotary’s highest honor, the Paul Harris Fellow.

Before moving to Opp, the Conecuh County native served his country in World War II and earned multiple degrees from the University of Alabama in education, and married his high school sweetheart, Evelyn Pate, who died of cancer in 1984.

The couple has two children, Dr. Joel Sullivan, a physician in Montgomery and Linda Trippe, an assistant U.S. attorney, who lives in Birmingham. He also has three step-children with wife Rebecca Sullivan.

“Mr. Sullivan’s devotion to the responsibilities of citizenship stretch far and wide, but it is Opp where he chose to call home,” Kelso said.

“He served his country with distinction and honor in World War II, and his patriotism continues to shine as a beacon on a hill. As an educator, his values found their way into the lives of many of this area’s young. His compassion and compassion and commitment to help his people sans recognition was evident during a long career. His devotion to church, the love of his family, and service to others are certainly exemplary of a worthy model.”

The banquet will be held Thurs., May 12, at 7 p.m. at the First Baptist Church Fellowship Center.

Tickets are $15 and will be sold at the Opp Chamber of Commerce. Seating is limited.

For more info, call Emilee Gage at 493-3070.