For 25 years, Charlie Waller has honored the legends of gospel music at the Grand Ole Gospel Reunion. At the 25th Anniversary Celebration of this event, the tables were turned and it was Charlie's time to be honored.
The 2012 Grand Ole Gospel Reunion marked the twenty-fifth year of this wonderful event. Always the master at orchestrating the moment, Mr. Waller presented a twenty minute video of highlights of some of the Grand Ole Gospel Reunions from the past. Little did Mr. Waller realize that the final segment of the "Twenty-five Year Celebration" would be a tribute to him and all that he has done for Gospel music through his work in the Southern Gospel Music Association Hall of Fame, as well as the Grand Ole Gospel Reunion.
Waller, a native son of Waynesboro, Mississippi, was presented with a joint proclamation from the House of Representatives and the Senate of the State of Mississippi, recognizing and saluting the 25th Anniversary of the Grand Ole Gospel Reunion hosted by Charlie Waller & the Florida Boys. The resolution was duly read and a plaque honoring the occasion was presented to Mr. Waller.
The friends and fans of the Grand Ole Gospel Reunion also presented Charlie with the "All Time Living Legend Award" for his service to the world of gospel singing through the Grand Ole Gospel Reunion. Topping off this award was his first trademark hat, which had been bronzed for the occasion. This presentation took Mr. Waller by surprise, and was the only time this writer has ever seen him nearly speechless. Waller said "I had planned to use this hat for my fishing hat! I am honored and surprised by the proclamation and the award from my friends. I shall cherish them both."
