Roger Dill, front row center, is surrounded by friends and family as the city of Tifton declared Roger Dill Day in Tifton, celebrated Saturday on the occasion of Dill's 80th birthday.

TIFTON, Ga. – Roger Dill is a well-known face in Tifton County. He’s been a committed community leader and volunteer, and has worked to improve the transportation system across the state, Tift County and the city of Tifton.

A native of Irwin County, Dlll graduated from Auburn University and became an engineer. According to the official proclamation by Mayor Julie Smith, many projects in the city of Tifton would not have been possible without him.

“It’s just such an honor to be able to recognize the contributions of somebody like Roger Dill,” Smith said. “He’s the paving king, in my opinion. He has worked tirelessly for paving and roads improvement and economic development. Just look at all the boards he’s served on and all the time he’s given.”

Dill has served not only in an official capacity, but as a volunteer as well, having served on the boards of the Georgia Museum of Agriculture and Historic Village, Tift County Development Authority, Tifton-Tift County Tourism Association, the ABAC Foundation, Tiftarea YMCA, Spring Hill Country Club, Agrirama Authority and the Tift County Recreation Department.

The proclamation stated, “Mr. Dill’s continuous service to our community has not gone unnoticed, and Tifton is overjoyed to honor him for his service, commitment and leadership to our community.”

“That’s why we recognize people like him,” Smith added. “At 80 years old, he continues to be the leader in these kinds of things. It was an honor and a thrill for us to be able to recognize him. It’s a recognition he deserves. We just want to wish him a happy birthday.”

Dill said the declaration at Thursday evening’s Tifton City Council workshop was a complete surprise.

“I never had a day before,” he joked, and added that it’s a great honor.

“I’ve enjoyed doing every bit of the things I do for the city of Tifton and Tift County,” he said.

Dlll said he’s seen growth in Tift County ebb and flow, and he looks forward to what the future holds.

His plans for his birthday? He said he was going to watch the Auburn vs. Texas A&M game.

Of his service to the community, Dill said it was a great experience.

“Hopefully I have made some contribution in my 80 years of working around here,” he said.