[Community-Service] Remembering Gaylon Tootle

[Maggie Stringer]

Dear Federation Family,

We would like to take this moment to honor and celebrate the life and
legacy of a beloved member, Gaylon Tootle of Georgia. We hope all of you
will join us this morning as we pay tribute to him.

Written by Lynette Eberhardt.

GAYLON TOOTLE

 Advocacy is associated with public support or recommendation of a
particular cause or policy.

We associate ‘advocacy’ with Gaylon Lee Tootle (October 30, 1959-September
10, 2022).

Being born to blind parents and with himself and his brother (Stancil) both
having visual issues is what pushed Gaylon to get involved fighting for the
rights of blind/low vision individuals.

A few honorable mentions of Mr. Tootle’s work include: serving as 1st and 2
nd Vice-President of the National Federation of the Blind-Georgia
Affiliate; President/Founder of the Central Savannah River Area (CSRA)
Chapter in Augusta, Georgia; helping blind/low vision persons through
Walton Options Center for Independent Living; volunteering with Georgia’s
Aging & Disability Network Agency; and the list goes on…

Gaylon was known throughout the community as “Maverick” because his
advocacy skills and techniques were a little outside the box. He was very
passionate; taking a bold, ‘in-your-face’ approach about what he did. This
was demonstrated as he served as co-chair of Rev Up Georgia along side his
brother to push for voter rights. Also, while serving on the committee to
ensure that voter machines were accessible, this included going to various
locations and training the volunteers.

The Augusta Department of Transportation as well as many members of City
Council are familiar with Gaylon Tootle! He spent several hours doing and
promoting what he believed in. Having a degree in Political Science aided
his mission when speaking to congress. His ardor caught the attention of
Vice-President Kamala Harris, whom he personally spoke with at least twice,
gaining an invitation to speak in The Rose Garden at the White House
earlier this year.     The Maverick touched the lives of many, in the state
of Georgia and beyond.

There is a large void and even bigger shoes to fill within the community
with this unexpected loss. He IS and WILL be missed greatly.

Soar with the eagles, Maverick!!



Lynette Eberhardt

~Lyn with one ‘n’
One of the founding members and former treasurer of the CSRA Chapter.

Please join us as we take this moment of silence to lift his family and
friends up in prayer.
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