Monroe does it Hobbs Way

The Walton County Board of Education officially honored the Hobbs family for its long dedication to local education with the new roadway name of Hobbs Way. Photo credit: Special to the Tribune

City, WCSD join to name street after local clan

There was just one name in mind when the city of Monroe had to decide what to name the new road connecting Charlotte Rowell Boulevard to Double Springs Church Road in front of the Walton County Board of Education.

That name was Hobbs.

“It stands for integrity,” Chip Underwood, superintendent of the Walton County School District, said Monday night at the WCBOE meeting, where the name of the road was announced. “It means a lot.”

The Hobbs family has been involved in Walton County education for years, led by Gary Hobbs, who went from principal of Loganville High School to superintendent of the WCSD for several years.

Even after retirement, Gary Hobbs stayed in education circles, serving briefly as head of school at George Walton Academy, and working tirelessly for years to bring the YMCA to Walton County before finally seeing it open last year.

He’s not the only member of the family to work in the county’s education apparatus, either. Several others have taught or worked as administrators, including his son, Brian Hobbs, who is currently principal of Loganville Middle School.

Underwood said the honor was a heartfelt tribute to a clan that had meant so much to so many in Walton County.

“The impact this family has had on this district will be felt for 15 generations after us,” Underwood said. “It is a lasting legacy on Walton County. And this street is a symbol of that.”