Thurman D. Maness of Robbins celebrated his 93rd birthday on Saturday, July 27. Pleasant Hill Methodist Church of Robbins hosted a party for the occasion. Maness is the son of the late Reuben A. and Annie Maness. “He has devoted his entire life to the service of God and his fellow man,” says Lacy Garner Jr. “He is the final link in an unbroken circle of Maness family that has nurtured Pleasant Hill Church for three generations.”

Maness’ grandfather Tommy P. Maness donated the first acre of land in 1860 for what was later to become Pleasant Hill Methodist Church. His great uncles, the Rev. Reuben Maness and the Rev. William. Abednego Maness, co-founded that church. His father Reuben A. Maness donated additional land when it was needed.

Maness and his late wife, Verdia Wallace Maness, continuing in the Maness tradition, supplied additional land to the church for expansion.

The Rev. Ray Brooks acted as master of ceremonie for the event. Speakers included W.F. Ritter and Lacy A. Garner, Jr.

Garner’s presentation was titled, “Men Who Have Made A Difference.” It highlighted the Maness family’s contribution along with that of Thurman Maness. Maness was presented with a plaque honoring his family’s achievements. The church also planted a tree in his honor.