Have you ever had a moment when your feelings went from sadness to joy in an instant? This happened to me yesterday as I attended the funeral of a dear friend.

Claude Petty was a unique human being. The word u.nique is defined in the dictionary as … being the only one of its kind; unlike any thing else. Claude Petty was unique.

What made him so?

Hopefully in a lifetime we “accomplish” much. Successes. In business. In our community. With our education. In leadership roles. These and more are all things that will show up on a resume. These are all things we have done. Things a little prideful maybe … “look at me” type things. These are the things we have accomplished.

Claude accomplished so much in his lifetime. Put that in the bank.

And then there are those things we “achieve.” Those gestures, events … even moments that when they happen? They will impact others for sure. But most importantly. They will change us.

These relationships, interactions with people are “achievements.” Seeing others in special, loving ways. A family member. A close friend. Or more simply … the valet at a restaurant. A clerk at the food store. Exchanging a smile with a passer by on the sidewalk. “Achievements” don’t need to be grand. Many times they are not. They are usually more subtle than the things we “accomplish.” But always more meaningful.

Things you do. Things you experience … that change you.

Claude had an abundance of both. I was fortunate to be aware of many of his accomplishments and his achievements. I cannot pretend to know them all. But in celebration of his extraordinary life, let me offer what I know.

While his resume is amazing. As I list his “achievements … you will see why I call him

“The Achiever.”

“Accomplishments” (I abbreviate them here.)

• GA Tech … leader as an undergrad. Honored alumnus.
• The Foundation he created there.
• His incredible Naval service. What a story.
• His early career with John Portman, one of the premier architects of our time.
• Served as president of Cousins Properties
• Leader of the Buckhead Business Association.
• Leader at both Second Ponce Deleon and Wieuca Baptist churches.
• His unwavering support of Johnson Ferry Baptist Church and the “Right from my Heart” ministry.
• Builder of Piedmont Center. Renowned Atlanta business complex.
• Co designer of Settindown Creek. His beloved golf course in Roswell.
• Capital Campaign Chair for Christian school in Alpharetta.
• Visionary of first hotel in Roswell; planned to build a minor league baseball stadium in Savannah.
• On and On …

Claude Petty was a very “accomplished” man.

But now I want to turn to his “achievements.” Things shared by those yesterday at his funeral service. Things they most remembered about Claude. That while they experienced them … they changed him. That’s why I call him “The Achiever.”

“Achievements”

• Entering a room. Immediately feeling the “energy” change.
• Marrying Beth. “Bobby, from the day I was born I knew she was right for me.”
• Watching Will hit a golf ball; teaching the game to Spencer.
• “You have to see Pam play!”
• Ninety years young. Riding in a golf cart watching his buddies play.
• His friendship with Jim Woodard.
• Tony Dungy … (ask about this one) Wow!
• Holding court in the Men’s Grille at Settindown.

• His incredible ability to listen and empathize.
• Always being more interested … than trying to be interesting.
• His love of life.
• The personal value system that defined his life.
• His capacity to make all he touched feel just a little better because they had been in his presence.
• A kind word for everyone. Always. Whether you be an Atlanta dignitary or a waitress at a restaurant.
• Sharing his faith in the Lord.
• Making eye contact with you … filling you with his spirit.
• Humility. Humility. Humility.
• His social mobility. He could relate to anyone. And did so … beautifully.
• All his legions of “best” friends. He made us all feel we were his best.
• The impact he had on any group.
• The impact he had … on one person at a time.

Claude Petty reached high. His achievements defined him. Changed others.
And changed him over his lifetime. Magically.

God Speed, dear Claude … so well done.