DECATUR — A chili supper and auction to benefit Decatur Chamber of Commerce president Royce Johnson is planned for March 13.

Johnson was diagnosed with colon and liver cancer and has been in treatment for three months. Currently he’s half way through a series of 12 bi-weekly chemotherapy treatments and will go back for a scan this week to find out how effective they have been.

Kim Wilkins, who is helping organize the fundraiser, said she was inspired by Johnson’s eagerness to help others and the community as a whole. Beyond the many years he has helped with the Chamber of Commerce and the Decatur Barbecue, he served 16 or 17 years on the city council and three years on the Decatur School Board.

“I’ve seen over and over again how he goes out of his way to help other people,” Wilkins said, explaining that she wanted to help a friend who has done so much for everyone else.

Wilkins has worked closely with Johnson on the Chamber of Commerce and with city events and fundraisers when the Decatur school was in crisis.

“You rarely meet a person like Royce,” Wilkins said, “He never complains and he always has a good attitude. He seems to truly enjoy everything he does for the Barbecue.”

Johnson is not letting cancer stop him from continuing on with his life. He is still filling his role as Chamber of Commerce president and is still able to work at his job with Simmons Foods.

“I’m not quitting anything yet. All I’ve done is slow down a bit,” he said.

Even though Johnson is still working, health insurance policies won’t cover everything and medical expenses quickly add up. All proceeds from the benefit will go toward Johnson’s medical bills.

“I appreciate it,” Johnson said, not only of the benefit but of the support he’s received from the community. “I knew I had a lot of friends in Decatur, but you really learn to appreciate them when something like this happens,” he said.

The benefit will be held at 5 p.m., March 13, at the Decatur Northside Elementary School. Meals are $5 for adults and $3 for children - kids 3 and under eat free. The pie auction will begin at 7 p.m., followed by a live auction. Donations of desserts or new items are welcomed. For more information, call Decatur City Hall at 752-3912.

Community, Pages 6 on 01/27/2010