Augusta school board memorializes late-attorney Pete Fletcher by renaming board room

The Richmond County Board of Education has taken steps to ensure the beloved memory of their late attorney is never forgotten.

During its meeting Tuesday, the school board unveiled the new name of their boardroom: The Leonard (Pete) O. Fletcher Jr. Board Room.

Fletcher, 77, died on Sept. 13 after serving as Richmond County schools' legal counsel for 50 years and as Columbia County schools' for 30. During the meeting, his daughter Kim Fletcher Bowden gave some highlights of his career and wit.

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"One of his favorite stories involved a three-legged chicken who could run faster than 65 mph. I won't attempt to tell it because I wouldn't do it justice, but the main point and punchline is that while it would be wonderful to study and perhaps even dine with or dine on a three-legged chicken, you have to be able to catch it first," Bowden said. "He often used this story as an allegory of how things are constantly changing."

Fletcher was a notable figure in the area. Richmond County School Board Member Charlie Hannah previously called him one of the best attorneys that specialized in education throughout the state. He was instrumental in bringing racial integration to Augusta. He was also a co-founder and senior partner in the Augusta-based law firm Fletcher, Harley & Fletcher.

This monument was a celebration of Fletcher's many years of hard work, friendship and support. Several family members were in attendance to help mark the occasion, including Fletcher's brother and successor on the board Larry Fletcher.

"Pete devoted his entire legal career to serving the school board," he said. "He loved justice, he loved mercy, he loved equality. That was the purpose of his service and career. That was Pete."

This article originally appeared on Augusta Chronicle: Richmond County school board room renamed for Leonard 'Pete' Fletcher