DEMOPOLIS &8212; Loving people and helping others is what Tommy Vice is best known for around Demopolis, and next month he will be honored as a inductee into the Alabama Senior Citizens Hall of Fame for his contributions to the community, which have enhanced the lives of the state&8217;s senior citizens.

Vice said although he doesn&8217;t have his travel plans worked out for an event on Sept. 23 in Montgomery, he is excited to attend the event of this caliber.

Vice works diligently throughout the year fundraising for various causes including Relay For Life, the March of Dimes and volunteers his time at the West Alabama Nutrition Center, West Alabama Mental Health, the Alabama House of Representatives and Southern Care Hospice. He has received certificates from various retired and senior volunteer programs. He has served as the local ambassador for West Alabama Mental Health. Working for the causes of nonprofit organizations, Vice has been named the top individual fundraiser in both the March of Dimes and in Relay for Life in the Marengo County area.

Emma Jean Davis, former manager of a senior care center in Demopolis, nominated Vice for the hall of fame recognition.

Vice, 69, of Demopolis, was born in the Saltwell community in 1952. He took care of his mother in Saltwell until her death in 1997.

Vice exudes the meaning of community support. He is a staple at every event in the community, whether it is a grand opening or a civic club meeting.

Vice said his first loyalty is with God and his church, Westside Baptist Church, where he has been involved all of his life. He said his work with the church and the prompting of friends lead him to get involved in other causes.

For the service he has provided through volunteer work to the city of Demopolis, Vice has received two presidential volunteer service awards.

Vice has a Bible certificate from the Seventh Day Adventist. He sings in the Westside Baptist Church choir and reads to patients at Woodhaven Manor as a regular volunteer.

He attends the Marengo Theater on a regular basis and as an avid Demopolis Tiger football fan, he attends all the home football games.

Vice said with the support of the people in the community he is able to provide assistance to others.

Award History

Awards are offered in nine categories with the highest being permanent members each year. Those inducted as permanent members are recognized in a display in the State Capitol.

In 2006, the Hall of Fame inducted 11 permanent members, 23 honorary members, seven people received special awards and five people were honored in memoriam.

The State Legislature created the Alabama Senior Citizens Hall of Fame on July 28, 1983. The purpose of the Hall of Fame is to bestow honor and recognition upon living Alabama residents who have made outstanding accomplishments and contributions to the lives of older Americans. This is done each September through the annual induction of new members into the Hall of Fame and through the presentation of other categories of awards. To be eligible for permanent membership in the Alabama Senior Citizens Hall of Fame, a person must be 50 years of age or older and a current resident of the state. Except for the Youth Award, Outstanding Senior Citizens Award and the In Memoriam Awards, there is no age limitation for other nominees. In addition to those awards, persons 100 years old and over and couples who have been married for 65 years or more are also recognized at the Annual Award&8217;s Presentation.