Our community lost one of its great men Friday.

Percy Rountree Jr. was many things, but the single word the majority of those who knew him used to describe him was: gentleman.

The description fit Mr. Rountree to a T. But using a single word to describe a man who walked the earth more than 94 years would be misguided.

True, Mr. Rountree was indeed a gentleman, particularly in the way his experience and wisdom created a sense of calm, positivity in him.

But he was also much more than merely a nice, congenial man.

He was a husband, father, grandfather and great-grandfather as well as friend to many, many in the area.

As a member of what author and journalist Tom Brokaw dubbed, “The Greatest Generation,” Mr. Rountree was a leader, who led men during his service in World War II.

He also led the community in working with his father who then owned The Concordia Sentinel newspaper.

Mr. Rountree then led both businesses as well as the city of Vidalia, serving as a city alderman for 20 years.

His steady hand of leadership for generations made an impact on many, many lives in Vidalia, Concordia Parish and throughout the community.

Mr. Rountree will be missed greatly, but his legacy will live on in our collective memory.