July 31, 2023 - Sam Samford Lodge in Center honored the Crelia family June 29, 2023, with the Community Builders Award.
Paul Ragan, Worshipful Master, opened the event and Jerry Agnew offered the blessing.
Sammy Arnold spoke of the privilege to be able to be a part of honoring the Crelia family and how helpful James Crelia was to Arnold when he came to Shelby County, especially as a member of the Shelby County Bass Anglers. He commented on growth in the community that he and Crelia have seen, and he explained James Crelia has been intrinsic in helping that growth.
“He’s one of the most civic minded people that you’ll ever meet, he’ll do anything he can to try to improve what we already have,” said Anderson.
Arnold explained that as manager of Few Ready Mix, Crelia’s company has poured innumerable house pads throughout Shelby County and the surrounding area.
“He’s a man of character, he’s a man of dedication, and a man of commitment and last but not least, he’s a man of truth,” said Arnold. “If you ask James something, he’ll tell you the truth.”
Arnold remarked on Crelia an the SCBA helping the Take A Kid Fishing event, which is held every year in Huxley, to grow and be able to provide even more rods, reels and tackle boxes to its participants.
When Arnold first met Sharon Crelia, she was a teacher and taught for 30 years. Arnold said she is very much like her husband in her dedication and commitment to finish what she starts. Arnold commented on Crelia’s influence on the good citizens of the area who she taught when they were in school.
“You can’t reach all the kids, but she did what she could to mould those kids, and make them what they are,” said Arnold.
Arnold stated Philip Crelia exemplified the same dedication as his parents in whatever he sets out to do. He recalled Philip fishing in tournaments with his father, and as the family went into business with Hometown Marina, that’s when he began fishing in “big tournaments.”
“He not only fished a bunch of them, but he won a bunch of them,” said Arnold.
Arnold said the Crelia’s are the model of what he wishes more of the community would be like, and that’s why they were presented with the Community Builders Award.
In recognition of the honor presented to them, the Crelia's received a crystal obelisk, certificate from the lodge, and a certificate from the governor which was signed by Greg Abbott.
