Calling it the Aynor Overpass no longer is appropriate.

That newly-opened bridge that connects the town’s two halves and provides drivers a route over U.S. 501 is now, and forever shall be, known as the Julius H. Goodson Overpass.

But who is the man, and what were his contributions to the small town of Aynor?

Well, according to a dedication plaque that was presented to his family at Tuesday’s grand opening and memorial dedication of the overpass, Goodson was born on Dec. 18, 1926, and passed away on June 3, 1992.

During his life, Goodson served during World War II, and was involved with the American Legion, Wildlife Action and the Aynor Lion’s Club. He also started Goodson Construction, which is overseen today by his son Michael.

Civil service came into play as well. From 1970 to 1978, Goodson was the town’s Mayor Pro Tem while he sat on the Town Council.

But to hear others tell it, perhaps Goodson’s greatest contribution was always being there to help his neighbors.

Town Councilman John Gardner remembers how Goodson would always provide his company’s trucks to help with clean-up after hurricanes or other bad weather hit.

Gardner particularly remembered a snow storm that happened around 20 years ago that left many of Aynor’s residents snowed in. Goodson was out with his trucks and delivering fuel and food to people who couldn’t get out of their homes, he added.

At the end of the day, when it came time to dedicate the new overpass, Goodson’s contributions to Aynor were worthy of recognition.

“They said it was a grand idea to do that,” Gardner said on the Aynor Town Council’s reaction to the idea of naming the overpass after Goodson.

Cell tower’s on the way

A 195-foot monopole telecommunications tower will soon be a reality off S.C. 544.

The Horry County Council passed a resolution at Tuesday’s meeting allowing the tower to be erected. It will be located on one acre of land off S.C. 544 and near Jay Gould Lane.

Janet Carter, director of Horry County Planning and Zoning, said the closest home is 500 feet away from the site. The council received no complaints from residents about the tower.

Contact BRAD DICKERSON at 626-0301.