Boy Scouts to Honor Two Lafayette County Families on June 19

Two long-time Oxford families, known for their commitment to community and to Scouting, will be honored in special dedication ceremonies for new facilities at Camp Yocona, BSA on Thursday, June 19.

Ceremonies will honor the James E. Davis family and the family of Morris ‘Preacher’ Lovelady.
“We are delighted to recognize these two families who have given so much to their community and especially to Scouting. We will dedicate the Morris ‘Preacher’ Lovelady Activity Field at 5:15 and at 6:00 dedicate the Davis Lodge,” said Rick Chapman of Tupelo, Miss. and a Yocona Area Council Scout Executive.
The new Davis Lodge is a 1,200-square-foot facility that will support staff and Scout training and as well as other enrichment activities at Camp Yocona. Construction of Davis Lodge was made possible by a substantial gift by the Davis family and friends. Included in the facility will be a 60-inch Sony TV and DVD player for trainings and educational programs, as well as meeting rooms and laundry facilities.
The lodge honors James E. Davis, his wife, Bernice, and their three sons.

Mr. Davis was a Star Scout and attended Camp Yocona the first year it was opened in 1947. Their three sons, Kendal, Lee and the late James R. Davis, were all Eagle Scouts while Ms. Davis served as a Den Mother for Cub Scouts.
Morris ‘Preacher’ Lovelady has served as a member of the Yocona Area Council Board of Directors for half a century, contributing leadership and financial support. ‘Preacher’ Lovelady was a long time employee at the University of Mississippi and used his engineering experience to design the Ole Miss Golf Course. An avid golfer, the new ‘Preacher’ Lovelady Golf Tournament, held in Oxford, raised thousands of dollars for the Yocona Area Council.

The Morris ‘Preacher’ Lovelady Activity Field will be a unique feature of Camp Yocona, which will be used to teach the Golf Merit Badge. The activity field will include a putting green and driving range.
“There is simply no way we can adequately thank these two families for their contributions to Scouting,” said B.J. Canup of Tremont, Miss. and member of the Yocona Area Council Facilities Council. “Their support and commitment will sustain Scouting for young people for generations to come”
The public is invited to both events. Camp Yocona is located at 878 Boy Scout Road in Randolph, between Oxford and Pontotoc, south of Highway 6.