At Southern Arkansas University Tech (SAU Tech), we believe in shining a light on those who make a difference behind the scenes -- the unsung heroes of our community. These individuals dedicate their time, energy, and compassion to uplifting others without seeking recognition. The Betty J. Lewis Memorial Scholarship was created to honor such individuals, recognizing selfless service, quiet leadership, and unwavering dedication to education and community.

What is an Unsung Hero?

An unsung hero is someone who makes powerful contributions to the lives of others without expecting praise. They lead with humility, serve with heart, and make a lasting impact through dedication and compassion. At SAU Tech, this spirit is embodied in the legacy of Betty J. Lewis, whose life and work continue to inspire generations.

The Betty J. Lewis Memorial Scholarship is awarded to an individual who demonstrates:

• Selfless Service: A commitment to helping others and actively engaging with the community.

• Leadership Without the Spotlight: A person who inspires and leads by example, not for recognition, but because it's the right thing to do.

Each month, the SAU Tech Scholarship committee carefully reviews nominations and selects one individual who best represents these values.

May's Unsung Hero

At Southern Arkansas University Tech, we are honored to recognize individuals whose dedication, leadership, and service leave a lasting impact on South Arkansas communities. This month, we proudly celebrate a man whose life has been defined by compassion, faith, hard work, and an unwavering commitment to helping others.

Through decades of community service, ministry, public works, and outreach programs, Grady Charles Renix Sr. has become a pillar of the Camden and Ouachita County communities. His journey reflects the values of perseverance, servant leadership, and a genuine desire to improve the lives of those around him.

A Foundation Built on Service and Community

Born in Stockton, California, to Mary Renix and the late Charles P. Renix, Grady's life was shaped by strong family values and a deep understanding of community responsibility. He is the grandson of the late Willie Mae White, Elizabeth Caviness, Grady Renix, and Neal Williams.

As a young boy, Grady received an early education in business and service while working in his grandmother's store, White's Grocery. There, he learned valuable lessons about inventory management, customer service, business etiquette, real estate investment, and community outreach. Delivering groceries to elderly residents and assisting customers taught him the importance of serving others with dignity and respect—principles that continue to guide his life today.

Today, he is a devoted husband to Charlotte Renix, celebrating more than 34 years of marriage, and a proud father, grandfather, and great-grandfather whose family remains at the center of his life.

A Lifelong Commitment to Learning

Education has played an important role throughout Grady's journey. After graduating from Camden High School in 1979, he pursued studies at several institutions, continually expanding his skills and knowledge.

His educational experiences include:

• University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff (Art Major)

• South Arkansas Community College (Air Conditioning and Refrigeration)

• Southern Arkansas University Tech (Industrial Technology)

• Proctor Funeral Home Funeral Director Apprenticeship Program

His dedication to lifelong learning allowed him to develop expertise across multiple industries while creating opportunities to serve his community in meaningful ways.

Faith-Driven Leadership and Ministry

Faith has been a cornerstone of Grady's life and leadership.

He preached his first sermon in 1993 at White's Chapel Baptist Church and was ordained in 1997 at New Mount Hebron Baptist Church. His calling to ministry eventually led him to establish Divine Antidote Ministries in 2004, where he faithfully served as pastor for 17 years.

Throughout his ministry, Grady has focused on meeting both the spiritual and practical needs of the community. He also served for many years as Vice President of the Ouachita County Ministerial Alliance under the leadership and mentorship of the late Rev. Jacob H. Hayes.

His commitment to helping others extends beyond the church walls, reaching individuals and families facing some of life's greatest challenges.

Fighting Hunger and Serving Those in Need

One of Grady's most impactful accomplishments came in 2010 when he founded the Charles P. Renix Heart-2-Heart Food Pantry in honor of his father.

Since its founding, the pantry has helped bridge the gap of poverty throughout Ouachita County by providing food assistance to families, seniors, and children in need. His mission has always been simple but powerful: ensure that no child goes to bed hungry and that elderly residents receive the support they deserve.

His efforts have connected him with organizations dedicated to hunger relief and food security, including:

• Arkansas Foodbank

• Feeding America

• Feed Forward Incentive Program

• Arkansas Hunger Relief Alliance

In addition, Grady has served as an advocate through jail ministry programs and nursing home outreach efforts, bringing hope and encouragement to individuals often overlooked by society.

Building Camden Through Public Service

Grady's dedication to community improvement extended into a remarkable career with the City of Camden.

Beginning his service on September 10, 2001, he worked his way through numerous positions over a 16-year career that concluded in 2017. Starting as a general laborer and part-time sanitation worker, he pursued his Commercial Driver's License (CDL) and steadily advanced through the ranks.

His positions included:

• Commercial Truck Driver

• Heavy Equipment Operator

• Street Sweeper Operator

• Floating CDL Driver

• Street Department Supervisor

• Parks and Recreation Supervisor

Along the way, he earned certifications and skills in asbestos removal, demolition, concrete finishing, culvert installation, welding, electrical systems, traffic signal maintenance, OSHA safety practices, and asphalt paving.

Grady played an important role in many of Camden's most recognizable public projects, including:

• Riverwalk

• Amphitheater

• Splash Pad

• Walk in the Park

• The Trace

• The Waterfall

His work helped improve quality of life for residents while contributing to the continued growth and beautification of Camden.

Compassionate Service Through Proctor Funeral Home

In addition to his public service career, Grady spent 16 years serving families through Proctor Funeral Home.

Beginning as a part-time employee in 2010 before transitioning to full-time service, he became a trusted source of guidance and compassion during some of life's most difficult moments.

His responsibilities included:

• Family Guidance Counseling

• Memorial Service Coordination

• Clergy Support

• Transportation Services

• Cemetery Coordination

• Event Preparation and Management

• Merchandise Administration

• Legal Documentation Mangement

Whether assisting grieving families or coordinating final arrangements, Grady approached every responsibility with professionalism, dignity, and heartfelt compassion.

His dedication was recognized on December 31 when Proctor Funeral Home presented him with a Certificate of Appreciation for Outstanding Marketing Enterprise.

A Legacy Recognized by the Community

The impact of Grady's service has not gone unnoticed.

On February 6, 2026, Camden Mayor Charlotte Young issued an official proclamation declaring February 6 as Grady Renix Sr. Day in Ouachita County, recognizing his 17 years of dedicated service and countless contributions to the community.

The honor reflects decades spent feeding the hungry, mentoring others, strengthening families, serving through ministry, improving public spaces, and supporting residents during times of need.

Inspiring Future Generations

Grady Charles Renix Sr.'s life demonstrates what it truly means to serve. Whether through ministry, community outreach, public works, hunger relief, or compassionate care for families, he has consistently put others before himself.

His story reminds us that Unsung Heroes are often those who quietly transform communities through faith, dedication, and selfless service.

Through every life touched, every family supported, and every project completed, Grady has left an enduring legacy throughout Camden, Ouachita County, and South Arkansas.

Southern Arkansas University Tech proudly recognizes Grady Charles Renix Sr. as our June Unsung Hero—a servant leader whose impact will continue to inspire generations to come.