This Saturday, October 1, join the family and friends of Roger William Cavender, U.S. Army veteran of World War II and Bronze Star recipient, to commemorate the naming of the Roger W. Cavender Memorial Highway, connecting his birthplace of Pickens County with Cherokee County where, upon returning home from the war, he built his home on a hill overlooking the highway now bearing his name. Before the Great Depression swept through the nation and Roger was forced to quit school in the fifth grade to help support his family, he walked to school in Nelson from his family farm on that same hill and through the same woods his namesake highway now traverses. Upon his passing in 1998, Roger was laid to rest on that same hill in the Fairview Baptist Church Cemetery, where he was a long-time deacon. In addition to being a distinguished veteran and dedicated deacon, Roger was also a loving husband, father, and grandfather. With the love of his life, Mildred, he raised two sons: Larry and Tim. Larry is a military veteran, retired teacher, and freelance writer and author. Tim served as Public Information Officer for Cherokee County Fire & Emergency Services and is often better known as Santa Tim. The Roger W. Cavender Memorial Highway is the portion of State Highway 372 which connects Highway 575/515 to Old Highway 5 between Ball Ground and Nelson. State Representative Wes Cantrell introduced the resolution to honor Roger during the 2022 legislative session. State Representative and Transportation Chair Rick Jasperse then ushered the resolution through the committee process; the resolution was passed and signed by Governor Brian Kemp in May. The community is cordially invited to attend the dedication ceremony scheduled for Saturday, October 1 at 2:00 p.m. The ceremony, which will include several local dignitaries in addition to the Cavender family, will be held at the ‘Salt Barn’ located near the eastern terminus of the road. Due to limited onsite parking, a reception will be held immediately following the ceremony at Ball Ground United Methodist Church. In the event of inclement weather, the dedication ceremony will take place at Ball Ground United Methodist Church at 3:00 p.m. ahead of the planned reception.