Statesboro businessman Arthur Howard has been honored on several occasions for his dedication to serving others, and Tuesday night at the 22nd Annual Deen Day Smith Service to Mankind Awards, he was honored once more for his kind and selfless deeds.
    In years past, Howard received the Deen Day Smith Service to Mankind Award and the Lifetime Achievement Award. At Tuesday's gala, he was named the 2010 Statesboro Herald Humanitarian of the Year.
    The Statesboro Herald, as well as a number of other area businesses, hosts the awards event. The banquet was held at Georgia Southern University's Nessmith-Lane Building.
     Former award recipient Kenny Stone introduced Howard, extolling his virtues and reciting his history of helping others.
    "This man's compassion for others is exemplified daily by the acts of kindness and the efforts he makes to help others," he said. "He has traveled hundreds of miles to help rebuild homes for hurricane victims. He has contributed financially and through physical efforts to help many others in need.  He is a supporter of the Hospice House, where a room was named in honor of his family.
    "A former Deen Day Smith Lifetime Achievement Award recipient, this generous citizen treats his employees like family, works continuously with Joseph's Home for Boys and has made that entity a focal point in is life," he said. "He has served as past president on the Joseph's Home for Boys board of directors, and his company donated building materials to build the current facility."
    Stone listed several areas where Howard has helped others without thought for himself.
    "Walking in his father's footsteps by continuing the family business as well as the tradition of giving to others (Howard) is a past Statesboro-Bulloch County Chamber of Commerce Business Leader of the Year.  He donated a house to the Georgia Southern University golf team, and sponsors an annual golf tournament fund raiser for Wesley Glen Ministries in Macon.
    Howard is "a past Statesboro Rotary Club member, served on the Downtown Development Authority, is a former member of the Georgia Southern Foundation and has served on various committees and boards as a charter member of Southeastern Lumber Manufacturers," he said "he has also dedicated many years service to A Day For Southern, United Way, and other organizations. "
     "He is one of Bulloch County's most giving citizens," he said. Quoting Denzel Washington, he said "Life is not about what you have or have accomplished ... it is about who you have lifted up ... what you have given back."
    These words apply to Howard's life, he said.
    Howard was humble as he accepted the award, giving credit to "My best friend and wife of 49 years. She deserves the credit, not me."
    After the gala, Howard was surrounded by friends and colleagues offering congratulations.
    "I feel kind of humble," he said. "A lot of people did a lot more than me." He said his wife is his inspiration and his deeds are what happens "when a good wife gets behind you."