From Staff Reports
TWIGGS COUNTY, Ga. — Thousands of motorists travel Interstate 16 every day, often without giving much thought to the names displayed along the highway. But one interchange in Twiggs County now carries a name that represents years of public service, dedication and a commitment to the people of Middle Georgia.
On Tuesday, October 27, family members, friends, community leaders and public officials gathered to honor former Georgia State Representative James A. “Bubber” Epps with the dedication of the Representative Bubber Epps Interchange.
Located at the intersection of Interstate 16 and State Route 96 in Twiggs County, the interchange was officially designated in his honor by the Georgia General Assembly through House Resolution 1526 during the legislative session.
For Epps, whose years in public service included representing Georgia’s 144th House District from 2008 until January 2019, the recognition serves as a lasting tribute to his contributions to the region.
But the dedication represents more than a name on a highway sign.
It is a reminder that public service leaves an imprint on communities and that the contributions of those who dedicate themselves to serving others deserve to be remembered.
The ceremony brought together several distinguished guests and public officials who participated in recognizing Epps and his service.
State Representative Danny Mathis of District 133 delivered the opening remarks, followed by an invocation from Randy Darnell.
Speakers included Josh Waller, director of government affairs for the Georgia Department of Transportation; Tim Golden, GDOT board member representing the 8th Congressional District; State Representative Robert Dickey of District 134; State Senator Larry Walker of District 20; Tommy Stalnaker, former chairman of the Houston County Board of Commissioners; Laura Mathis, executive director of the Middle Georgia Regional Commission; and community leader Sandra Neal.
State Representative Mack Jackson of District 128 offered the closing benediction and blessing.
Bleckley County Commissioner Mike Davis was among those attending the dedication, representing the neighboring community as regional leaders gathered to recognize Epps.
Epps built a career in the paving industry before serving in the Georgia House of Representatives.
His time in the General Assembly placed him among the lawmakers representing the interests of Middle Georgia communities during more than a decade of change and growth.
For the residents of Twiggs County and surrounding communities, the Representative Bubber Epps Interchange will stand as a permanent acknowledgment of his years in public office.
And for the motorists passing through the intersection of I-16 and State Route 96, the name displayed along the highway will offer a small reminder of a much larger story — one of service, commitment and the lasting connections between a community and those who have represented it.
Because while highways connect places, it is people who help shape the communities along the way.
Former Georgia State Representative James A. “Bubber” Epps (left) and Bleckley County Commissioner Mike Davis (right) join in displaying the commemorative sign for the Representative Bubber Epps Interchange during Tuesday’s dedication ceremony in Twiggs County. The interchange is located at Interstate 16 and State Route 96.
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