On Monday, the City of Picayune honored U.S. Army Sergeant Sidney L. Worthy as Veteran of the Year during a wreath-laying service and celebration. Community members gathered under clear skies, accompanied by the Picayune Memorial High School band and the Picayune NJROTC, to recognize Worthy and all local veterans for their service.

Mayor Jim Luke addressed the attendees, saying, “It was a joy to see everyone who showed up today. We are so grateful to our veterans and bless those who have served this country. Today, we are proud of our veterans in our community. It was a great ceremony and event, and we are blessed with a beautiful day to celebrate.”

Officer James Drewery and City Council members Jan Stevens and Frank Ford presented Worthy with the Veteran of the Year plaque, calling it “an honor to have him at the service and to present this plaque for his service to our country and city.”

“We appreciate everything you have given to our country and city,” Stevens added.

Worthy, born February 2, 1923, in Hernando, Mississippi, expressed his gratitude, saying, “It means a lot to me. It’s great to be here with the rest of the veterans. I appreciate everyone and have enjoyed my life here in Picayune.”

Worthy joined the U.S. Army in 1943 during World War II. After completing boot camp at Camp Joseph T. Robinson in Little Rock, Arkansas, he was deployed to England from June to August 1944, where he helped establish the 55th General Field Hospital. Later, he served in France, where he worked at a medical clinic, eventually reaching the rank of Sergeant.

After his service, Worthy returned to Picayune, attended Mississippi State University, and earned an accounting degree. He then worked for Crosby Land and Resources for 40 years, retiring after 40 years. Worthy and his wife, Sue Goodwin, married in 1948 and moved to Picayune in 1950, where they raised three children. A dedicated member of Picayune’s First United Methodist Church, Worthy served as treasurer for 40 years.

Worthy’s family legacy of military service extends to his father, E.D. Worthy, who served in World War I, and his brothers, Frank and Boots Worthy, who served in the U.S. Air Force and U.S. Coast Guard, respectively.