On June 2, the Rotary Club of Blakely reached the 100-year milestone! On June 25, Retired U.S. Navy Lieutenant Commander Warren Baxley took the oath as Club President for the second time.

Warren grew up in Blakely as the son of Dr. and Mrs. Warren Baxley Sr., one of the founders of Early Medical Center. He was a fighter pilot during the Vietnam War, serving aboard the USS Forrestal aircraft carrier, and served for more than 20 years of naval active duty after graduation from the University of Georgia. He was married to the late Sheila Pitts of Blakely. 

Warren told the club in accepting the gavel again that with the impending arrival of the QTS data center, “Early County has the chance to get on the map, and we in the Rotary Club want to be a big part of it. We in Blakely and Early County will work together to make this a pleasant and wonderful place to live.”

Jack Davis, a farm bank official and part-owner of Smitty’s Restaurant, will serve as the club vice president. Other members installed as club officers for 2026-2027 included: Steve Singletary, treasurer; Mac Gordon, public relations; Greg Matson, sergeant-at-arms; Celia Bostwick, programs; Alan Braswell, chaplain; and Hank Jester, music director.

“This is an indication of your fellow Rotarians’ esteem and confidence in you,” former club president Dr. Bronwyn Ragan-Martin said in installing the group. “They believe you will uphold the traditions of this club, support President Baxley and give all you can to serve your community and advance the Object of Rotary.” Dr. Ragan-Martin and Warren Baxley are pictured here.