Columbia County Father of the Year Nominations

Bryon Reynolds

Nominated by Hayley, 8, and Tyler, 3, Martinez

Our daddy is the best daddy in the world. He's nice, funny, always loving and he always makes sure we have what we need. We like it when he takes us fishing. And when he rolls around on the floor with us. We like it when he plays basketball and golf and when he runs around in the yard. He cooks good and works a lot. We love our daddy so much, we love being his lil' Princess and his lil' Buddy!

Please make our daddy Father of the Year!

Marty Matfess

Nominated by

Hilary, 14, Evans

Not many teenage girls can say that their dad and they have a superb relationship; luckily I'm one of the few. My dad is my best friend. I can tell him anything and he understands and still loves me. Through the hardest parts of adolescence and growing up, my father has been my support.

Through his sage-like wisdom and warped sense of humor, I've discovered some pretty important things about life. For example, you're not really living if you can't laugh at yourself or the world around you. My father is a shining example of what a parent should be.

Tommy John

Nominated by

Amanda, 13, Martinez

My dad has been there even when times got hard. Although he goes through a great deal of pain each day he is always kind, forgiving and considerate. When days are dark he brightens them up with his love.

He's not just labeled the word "dad" because he has a child but because he's a great dad. I would like him to be the Dad of Columbia County because he's supportive, understanding, loving, nice, and fun to be around. I think he deserves this honor.

Tom Crow

Nominated by Carly, 10, Alex, 9, Emily, 8 and Bennett, 5, of Evans

Our dad...

- is so nice; lets me do things when I ask; took over for my mom for a whole week and cooked meals and took us shopping; he is perfect at being my dad (Carly);

- is a hardworking and respectful man; loves to teach kids; makes breakfast for me every day; plays sports with me and coached my soccer team; loves us very much (Alex);

- is a great father and nice most of the time; does lots of chores and keeps the house together; snips the tree in our front yard and fixes broken things; takes us to the movies (Emily); and,

- makes us pancakes; takes naps with me; reads me books and takes us to the library; wrestles with me in the yard (Bennett).

Chris Bryant

Nominated by

Justin, 11, Harlem

My dad is a single parent. He is a hard worker. He never misses work unless he has to take me to the doctor. On his days off, he takes me to my taekwondo classes. He always plays ball with me, we go to movies together. He makes sure I always come first. That's why I love him so much. Happy Father's Day, Dad, you're the best.

Patrick Suppa

Nominated by

Christina, 11, Evans

I think my father, Patrick Suppa, should be Columbia County's Father of the Year because he takes care of my grandpa. My grandpa is ill right now, so my dad gives my mom a break and takes care of him. Sometimes my dad takes time off work to make sure that my grandpa is feeling fine. My dad sometimes has to take him to the doctor's office.

I know that it is really hard to take care of someone, go to work, and pay for the bills but my dad does all of that. My dad doesn't have a lot of time to play with me or go to my soccer and swimming games, but he makes room for me in his schedule.

My dad loves me with all of his heart, that's why I love him. That's why I think my dad should be Columbia County's Father of the Year!

Gary Kendrick

Nominated by

Holly, 9, Evans

I think my dad should be Father of the Year because he's helpful, nice, caring and I think he's the best dad ever. Some of the things he does for me include taking me to the pool every summer and every Christmas he gets as much stuff that I like that he can afford.

When I need help my dad will always help me out if mommy does not help me first. Even if he is tired, he still makes time to play with me. Some of the games we like to play include Monopoly and basketball. But the most important thing about my dad is that he loves me and I love him, too!

Rick Grubbs

Nominated by

Samantha, 10, Martinez

I think my daddy should be chosen as Father of the Year is because of a lot of reasons. He gives great hugs. He picks me up and squeezes really hard. My daddy works very hard. He drives a truck sometimes for days so we have everything we need. Daddy is very funny. He makes me laugh when I feel sad. He makes funny faces and silly noises. Daddy can fix anything that is broken. He is a good handyman. My daddy always has something for me to do. Like games he used to play. My daddy loves me a lot!

Sammy Doolittle

Nominated

by Ashley, Evans

I think my dad should be Father of the Year because he means so much to me and so good and wonderful to me. I love that when I see him, he makes me feel special and he makes me shine. When I am sad he makes me happy and when I am sad, he makes me excited! He is so good at inspiring me to follow my dreams and to be safe. He has taught me to do a lot of stuff. He is like my buddy. I do a lot of things he does because I love him!

Chris Burke

Nominated

by Corey, Evans

My dad is great. On Friday nights he takes my family out for pizza. If I have a good report card, he buys me anything that is under $20. During school days he helps me with my homework. During the summer he pays for me to go to different camps. My dad is a loving dad that likes to always help people. My dad is funny and encouraging and likes to play games and sports with me in his spare time.

Nominated by

Ryan, Evans

No matter how tired my daddy is from work and school, he always has time for me. He plays baseball with me and my brother. He gives my hugs and kisses at night. He reads long stories to me at bedtime. He is always nice to me. He plays with me most of the time. He takes us out to my favorite restaurants. He takes us on fun vacations. He buys me Yu-Gi-Oh cards online. He comes to church with us every Sunday and takes us out to eat.

Rex Eckler

Nominated by

Gabe, 6,

and Maddie, 10, Evans

We think our dad should be named Columbia County's Father of the Year because he has worked very hard to start his own business. He is very good at what he does and he treats his patients fairly. He also watches my brother and I while our Mom works second shift at the hospital. Every day after work, no matter how bad it was, he finds time for fun. He is also very funny. He always makes sure we can do our favorite sports. We always have family outings. He is a great full-time dad! He is the bomb!

Robert (Pete) Miller III

Nominated by

Carley Flores, 11, Martinez

After several years of just having a mom, Robert Miller came into my life. It's been a challenge living with a new dad, but I manage because he's patient. He's taught me many lessons like how to enjoy gardening and golf. Together we enjoy bird watching, which made it easier for me to select a Science Fair topic. He's taken me on fun outdoor trips like kayaking, camping, and hiking. He missed my fun baby years, but he still understands me. That's why he should be Father of the Year.

Willie Rawlins

Nominated by

Kristin, 11, Appling

My dad should be Father of the Year because he is one of the most important people in my life. Although he works long and hard, he still finds time to do things with me, like coach my softball team, take me fishing and hunting, and no matter how tired he gets, he always has time for me. I love my daddy very much and I would do anything for him and that's why I think he should be Father of the Year!

Mike Lewczyk

Nominated by

Maria, Evans

I think my dad should win "Father of the Year" because he makes up cool games to play with us like Torpedo and Wrapping Machine. He helps us make good choices, do our homework, and takes us to after school activities. Not only does he give to us, he gives to the community as well. Dad gives blood every month, is a member of the Knights of Columbus, and organizes United Way fund-raisers at work. My dad may be strict, but he loves us and tries to protect us. No matter what, he is "Father of the Year" to me!

Octavio Navedo

Nominated by

Sophia Navedo, Martinez

I think my dad should win. His kindness, good sense of humor and intelligence are traits his co-workers, friends and family adore about him. Although he's given me several lectures, and yelled or grounded me plenty of times, now that I think about it, his amazing and loving personality overshadows all those rough spots we've gone through.

His high standards and morals have set equally high goals for me and my little brother. Because my father is in the military, we haven't really had a lot of quality time with him, due to deployments. Yet, those special, tiny moments that we have shared are what have and will define me as a person. I can only pray I'll be half the parent he is. Octavio Navedo is a friend, soldier, good citizen, comedian, patriot, role model, and last but certainly not least, the best father in the world.

Robby Barrett

Nominated by

Regan Young, 10, Grovetown

Hi, my name is Regan and I am 10 years old. I am nominating my dad to be Father of the Year (even though he isn't my biological father, I still call him daddy) because he has been in my life since I was 2 or 3 years old. He has been the closest thing I have to a father since I was old enough to understand that my real father probably wasn't going to be there for me. After my mom and Robby get married in September, he is going to adopt me. My dad's name is Robby Barrett and I think he should be Father of the Year.

Robert Barrett Jr.

Nominated by

Taylor Barrett, 10,

Grovetown

I am nominating my dad, Robert Barrett Jr., for Father of the Year. He has done so much for me and he deserves it. He taught me to reach for the stars and to always persevere. He also told me to always have hope. He has always been there for me and I hope he will always be. I love him very much. When I mess up on something in algebra or school, he corrects me so I don't make it again. These are the reasons you should pick my dad for Father of the Year. I love you, Daddy!

Hardish Tuli

Nominated by

Nissa Tuli, 14, Evans

My dad is different than the other dads. Although he works all day, he always finds time to spend with us. When we are upset or mad he always tries to make us laugh. My dad makes most things fun. When we went camping during the spring break, my mom wouldn't go swimming or boating with us, so he went and we had a lot of fun.

My dad is someone who wants to be included in his kids' lives. We can ask him for help for almost anything and he will help us, although sometimes it may take a while. I would really like my dad to be Father of the Year to show my appreciation for him and all he does. I love you, Dad.

Robert Morgan

Nominated by

Ben, 14, Evans

My dad is the most awesome dad on earth. No matter what I'm doing or my younger brother Parker is doing, he's always there. He may not be the most fit dad in the world or the richest dad in the world, but he tries his hardest to support his family. When he gets home from work you will always see him doing something with me, Parker, or helping clean up the kitchen. He is my hero. That's why I think my father should be the Father of the Year.

Troy Breitmann

Nominated by

Shelby, 8, Martinez

My dad should be Dad of the Year because....

When I was born on Christmas Day, he ate in the hospital just to see me. My mom and I were both sick and my dad took care of us. He loves us very much because he shows us every day.

When my brother was born he loved him just as much. Now that we are growing up he takes us camping. He encourages us by letting us work on projects with him, and playing games with us. He makes me laugh and makes great breakfasts. He's the BEST dad ever!

Frank Berry

Nominated by

Brittney, 17, Martinez

My dad is superb because he never sleeps in his recliner. Instead, he sets a fatherly example of love and dedication by being involved in our lives. He is content with being a family man; never misses a game, activity, or opportunity to play. He constantly makes his sacrifices for our family of five look effortless. He pretends he would rather save the "penny earned," but we know that he adores seeing us have fun. He encourages our education and reminds us daily of its importance. He sets the bar high for "awesome dad" and we are proud of him.

Dip Metress

Nominated by

Elizabeth, 7, Grovetown

My dad is the best dad because he always makes time for me. He teaches me all about basketball. When I go to work with him we shoot baskets in the gym. We play baseball and catch in the yard. And, we go swimming at the pool every Friday. He also makes the best pancakes.

Bob Christensen

Nominated by

Erin, Evans

My dad is so fun to be around and works so hard to make sure that we get what we want and what we need. He is a hard-working person who can fix anything, and is loyal to the people he works with. He makes wonderful meals and always has dinner ready when my mom comes home from work, even if he has to go to work soon. He buys us as many flowers on our birthdays as the age we are turning, and takes off of work for things that are important to us. He is my hero!

Editors note: This nomination was submitted without the father's name.

Nominated by Hailey Maugoins, 6

My daddy should be Father of the Year because he works hard and he's nice. He bought me a bike when I finished kindergarten. He loved his lowrider but doesn't take care of it any more because he would rather take care of us. He's the best daddy ever, even if he isn't your Daddy of the Year. He's mine.

Father of The Year

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