The Bulloch County Bar Association honored one of its own on Thursday at the old Bulloch County Courthouse Courtroom.

Judge Joe Neville, celebrating his 90th birthday, was recognized for his many years of service as many dignitaries, family members and friends gathered to honor his career.

Judge Neville has been in service to Bulloch County for over 60 years, beginning with an appointment to the Superior Court bench in 1984, and later assuming senior status in 1997. He served in other capacities as well which include Judge for the Municipal Court of Statesboro, County attorney for Bulloch, attorney for the Bulloch County Board of Education, and was an elected member of the Georgia House of Representatives. Neville graduated from Mercer University and received his law degree from the Walter F. George School of Law at Mercer.

Several short speeches were given by some of the approximately 60 people in attendance.

Longtime friend and fellow Superior Court Judge Fay Sanders Martin spoke highly of Judge Neville.

“Very few people reach that good old age of 90. I’ve known Joe Neville and his wife, Reba, for over 60 years, and can tell you that Joe has always been dedicated to the call. His main goal has always been to provide justice in an honorable, dignified and efficient manner,” Martin said. “We went early and stayed late if necessary. We were consistent and persistent.”

Chief Judge William Woodrum spoke of Judge Neville’s faith and dedicated service to Bulloch County.

“Some here today may not be aware of Judge Neville’s unselfish desire to serve and help wherever possible,” Woodrum said.

Woodrum cited several examples of Judge Neville’s service to his country and Bulloch County, which included being a Second Lieutenant during World War II and a reservist for many years after the war.

“Judge Joe always approached each case from an analytical, simplistic and efficient manner.”

Lovett Bennett, a local attorney and Joe’s nephew spoke highly of him in regards to Joe’s mentoring of a junior law clerk in 1974.

“I started out as Uncle Joe’s clean-up boy but learned so much from his wisdom and how to serve others. He was an excellent mentor.”

Judge Neville’s son, Joe Neville, Jr., spoke of the four generations of their family’s law firm and how fiscally conservative his dad has always been.

“He’s a legal liberal, not just in civil rights but in people rights. He once told me that a lawyer with integrity has many assets, but one without integrity, no matter how talented he may be, will never be successful.”

With an exceptionally articulate and strong voice, appearing to be in excellent condition at 90, Judge Neville shared a few words.

“I first worked in this very room in September of 1949,” Neville said. “I was admitted to the bar in 1948 on my first attempt to pass the Bar Exam, and I must say that it’s been a great ride.”

“I believe that every living person has the right to be represented as a human being and that always keeps us on track to do what’s right,” Neville continued. “To me the Golden Rule is still the number one rule of the universe.”

Concerning his 90 years, Judge Neville concluded by saying, “It took a long time getting here,” eliciting a round of laughter and applause from the crowd.

Federal Court Judge B. Avant Edenfield gave words of benediction and refreshments were then served in the back of the courtroom. Judge Joe and Reba cut a cake provided for the occasion by Sweet Cheeks of Statesboro.