Lewis Grizzard Makes History Again

From Moreland Cultural Arts Alliance Press Release

Renowned and beloved humorist and author Lewis Grizzard will be honored with a new historical marker in his hometown of Moreland.

Thanks to the generosity of the Georgia Historical Society, one of the familiar roadside plaques will be dedicated on Friday, June 6, 2025 at noon. Cosponsored locally by the Town of Moreland and the Moreland Cultural Arts Alliance, the new plaque, which describes his life and major accomplishments, will be unveiled on the town square across the street from the museum which showcases the one and only Lewis Grizzard’s life and legacy.

The celebration and dedication of this historic marker will include festivities on the square. The Moreland Hometown Heritage Museum: A Tribute to Lewis Grizzard will begin welcoming visitors at 10 a.m. Visitors can tour the museum with no admission charge on Friday, June 6 all day. Beginning at 11:30 a.m., performers will entertain the audience reading excerpts from some of Lewis’ most famous writing. At noon, friends and family of Lewis will share memories of him and participate in the official unveiling and reading of the plaque.

All Lewis fans will be able to record a video in the museum at a “Story Box” describing their memories of Lewis. Before the event, fans are encouraged to share memories and observations of Lewis and their favorite columns and books on Facebook @ Moreland Cultural Arts Alliance. The public is invited to tour the museum and attend the event free of charge. Food will be available for purchase.

“Lewis Grizzard was a great humorist and writer, but in Moreland he is much more, “ explains Winston Skinner, President of the Moreland Cultural Arts Alliance, which operates the author’s museum. “There are people here who played baseball with him, took part in Boy Scouts and went to Moreland Elementary or Moreland Methodist Church with him. Lewis is a hometown hero, someone beloved, and we are proud that his genius is being recognized. “

Lewis Grizzard (1946-1994) began his career as a sports journalist at the Atlanta Journal-Constitution. By 23, he became their youngest executive sports editor. Ultimately, Lewis became an editorial columnist who won an enormous following with his unique and humorous point of view. Eventually his column became syndicated in over four hundred newspapers nationally. He wrote twenty one books, eighteen of which became New York Times Bestsellers.

Lewis also toured, performing his live comedy routine; he influenced many younger comedians. Additionally, he acted in a role on the television situation comedy “Designing Women.”

Lewis never lost his love of sports. Throughout his life he enjoyed playing many sports. As a teenager, Lewis lettered in high school basketball and baseball; as an adult he became an accomplished golfer and tennis player.

In 1994, Lewis Grizzard died at age 47 from heart disease.

For more information: morelandadventure.com or 678-492-3161.