PICKENS — “I’ve lived here all my life and have a true love affair for Pickens and the area,” said Ted Shehan, the 11th winner of the “I Fan The Flame” award. “Pickens has the most special people anywhere—– it’s like family, where everyone knows everyone. I’ve been to all the states and, with the mountains, there is no prettier place to live.”

Shehan has not only lived in Pickens all his life but he has also lived in the same home — one built by his grandfather in 1909. It was on 20 acres at the time and was home to the largest chicken hatchery in the Upstate. He still has farming in his blood running 80 head of Angus cattle on his 200 acre farm just outside of town.

With the Pickens school just down the street, Ted was able to walk to his first 12 years of school. He then attended Greenville Technical College earning an Associate Science degree. Upon graduation, he had job offers in Atlanta and Connecticut but chose to stay in Pickens. After a short time with the Pickens RR Company, Ted went to work for Mayfair Mills in the Pickens Plant where he stayed for 32 years – much of it as the local Personnel Manager. During those years he served on City Council under three different mayors. As a councilman, he is most proud of helping pass the city’s accommodations tax which helped build the Pickens Recreation Center which is still one of the very best of any city in the area. In 1999, he retired when elected as mayor himself – choosing to devote full time to the position.

Other accomplishments during his lifetime in Pickens include more than 55 years working with the Boy Scouts, membership and leadership in the Pickens Jaycees where he rose to Regional VP and serving 30 years as a volunteer fireman. Ted has also coached little league for many years. A lifelong member of Grace United Methodist Church, he still works on the grounds every Friday under the leadership of Billy Singleton.

In addition to working on the farm almost daily, Ted still finds time to serve on the board of the Pickens Senior Center, works on special projects with the Pickens Service Club and is on a special Upstate Forever committee that is working to preserve the view and beauty of Table Rock.

With his wife Rhonda, Ted has two stepchildren and five grand children, “the joy of my life”.

I Fan The Flame 2012 Platinum sponsors include the Historic City of Pickens and Great Oaks Dental. East Main Treasures and Pace & Reeves BP, Inc. are this year’s bronze sponsors. In March of this year, the “Flame” program will be expanded to recognize the ways various academic, charitable, youth, adult, civic and religious organizations help to “fan the flame” in Pickens.
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