He looks at people a whole different way: A blind fisherman and the Lion's Club legacy

Carry Burriss dipped his fishing pole into the rippling water of Lake Hartwell, betting on the automatic tug for him to begin reeling.

Some of the volunteers would nudge him, describing the fish emerging out and his wife later told him his face was pure joy.

Burriss was 20 years old when he lost his vision. At 50, he went on his first fishing tournament hosted by Lion's Club in Anderson.

"It was a great outing for our blind people, because so many of us, don't have outings to go to except when something like this comes along," he said.

The Anderson Lion's Club is celebrating 100 years of service this year. The international organization with local clubs provides glasses, medical services, camps and support for the blind community or people in need of glasses.

"Its just very fulfilling work, knowing you're helping people who need it and can help change their lives," said Bolt McClain, president of the Anderson club and 34-year member. "It has touched a lot of lives."

Fundraisers, week-long camps, fishing trips— all had a goal; people have a community here.

The week-long Camp Lions Den is free and hosts 40 kids with trained counselors at the Clemson Outdoor Lab.

Learn more information: What Camp Lions Den is like

During Burriss' first fishing tournament, some people were afraid to go on the boat, they'd stay on the pier, he remembers. Not him.

It was all a thrill he loved.

He's sad the local tournament is no longer operating, Burriss said.

Phil Merritt helped lead the fishing tournaments as part of the 30 years he's been in the club but in recent years the annual tournaments had to stop due to a lack of staffing.

The Lion's Club has served as a great asset for the blind community, Burriss said. From medical assistance to outings to supplies, he knows it has made a difference.

Being blind has never been a limitation but an opportunity. One more way to live differently, more authentically, Burriss said.

"Believe it or not, it helps you to look at other people in a whole different manner, as loving on individuals," he said.

Sarah Sheridan is the community reporter in Anderson. She'd appreciate your help telling important stories; reach her at ssheridan@gannett.com or on Twitter @saralinasher.

This article originally appeared on Anderson Independent Mail: Anderson's blind community and the Lion's Club 100th anniversary