The Andalusia Rotary Club on Tuesday presented its annual Spirit of Andalusia award to a man the presenter called “the most deserving recipient we’ve ever had.”

Billy Joe Stallworth was the 2016 recipient of the award, which recognizes someone outside of the Rotary organization for contributions to the community.

“All of you know him extremely well,” Rotarian David Darby said in presenting the award. “If you are in any type of civic organization, he has volunteered at some point to help you.”

Stallworth is well known for his efforts to help civic groups host fundraisers by cooking Boston butts for their efforts. He often assists Andalusia High School athletic programs, and is a founding board member of Community Christmas.

“I joke that he was citizen of the year for three years running, and if he was, it was well deserved,” Darby said.

Stallworth also is a member of the Lions Club, serves on the city’s Recreation Board and the city’s Planning Commission. He also is on the Department of Human Resources’ local advisory board.

Stallworth said the “biggest deal” in community work is kids.

“When lids come back and tell you ‘thank you,’ it’ll make you have tears in your eyes,” he said.

Everyone has an obligation to give back, he said.

“Whatever He gave us, He wants us to give it out,” he said. “If you give it out, it’ll come back to you over and over again.”

Stallworth retired from CenturyLink in 2004. He is a graduate of Woodson High School and LBW Community College, where he studied law enforcement. He also is a veteran of Vietnam. He is a member of Whatley Street First Baptist Church, where he is a deacon. His family includes his wife, Felicia; and three children, Tiffany Stallworth, Leticia Shakespeare, and Drextel Shakespeare.