THOMASVILLE- The City of Thomasville invites the public to attend a special ceremony honoring the Honorable Lloyd J. Austin III, 28th United States Secretary of Defense, with the renaming of a section of Stevens Street to ‘GEN Lloyd J. Austin III Way.’ The event will take place on Monday, February 24, 2025, at noon at The Ritz Amphitheater in Downtown Thomasville.

City Manager Chris White said that the idea to honor Secretary Austin locally has been in the works for some time.

“The conversation actually began soon after Mr. Austin took office in 2021, with many local citizens approaching City Council with an idea to rename a street to publicly honor Mr. Austin’s significant service to our country,” White said. “After some consideration, we selected this section of Stevens Street because of its prominence in our downtown. This street borders The Ritz Amphitheater, which serves as a central hub for many large community gatherings, ensuring that multitudes of citizens and visitors alike will have the opportunity to visit GEN Lloyd J. Austin III Way.”

Austin III served as the 28th U.S. Secretary of Defense from January 22, 2021, to January 20, 2025. He was the principal assistant to the President in all matters relating to the Department of Defense and served on the National Security Council.

He was born in Mobile, Alabama, and raised in Thomasville, Georgia. He graduated from the United States Military Academy with a Bachelor of Science degree and a commission in the Infantry. He holds a Master of Arts degree in counselor education from Auburn University, and a Master of Business Management from Webster University. He is a graduate of the Infantry Officer Basic and Advanced courses, the Army Command and General Staff College, and the Army War College.

White said that the location of GEN Lloyd J. Austin III Way was intentionally selected to further highlight the history of The Bottom District, which celebrates Thomasville’s African American history and heritage.

“This portion of downtown has undergone a tremendous revitalization and is significant to the vibrancy of our community. The renaming of this section of Stevens Street will pay homage to General Austin as a Thomasville native, complement the other historical landmarks in the area, and pay special tribute to his distinguished military career and leadership.”

The noon ceremony is open to the public. For more information, please contact Mary Patchunka-Smith, City of Thomasville Event Venue & Facilities Manager, at (229) 227-3365.