Alabama Poultry and Egg Association announces the induction of Galen Grace and Wanda Linker into the Alabama Poultry Hall of Fame. An induction ceremony will be held at the 4-H Center in Clanton in mid-December.
Grace and Linker were selected by the Hall of Fame Committee for not only their many years work within the poultry industry, but their dedication to making the industry and those around them better.
Grace served on the APEA board of directors for many years and ending his tenure as president during 1988-1989. In nomination letters submitted, Grace was referred to as a “faithful foot soldier” for Alabama’s poultry industry. He has held many positions throughout his career most notably, as the Alabama Territory Manager for Salsbury Laboratories. During his time at Salsbury, Grace led trips for poultry science students and other industry employees to Iowa for the Salsbury Poultry School. Grace continued to stay connected and involved with Auburn University and the Poultry Science Department throughout his career. Through his connections, he created relationships with many students that and helped them create relationships within the industry. Today, Grace is retired but continues to be involved in Alabama’s agriculture community and still tailgates at Auburn football games where his motorhome has an open door for all who want to visit. Galen is active in his church and is a devoted and loving husband, to his wife Becky. Together, the Graces have two sons, Jarod and Jody and five grandchildren.
Linker began her 44- year-tenure at Alabama Poultry and Egg Association in 1975 at the Association’s original Cullman location. Before starting at APEA, she worked for Gold Kist in Cullman for three years. In 1993 Wanda moved with the Association to Montgomery, to be more centrally located for its lobbying efforts. Before her passing in 2019, Linker served the Association with passion and enthusiasm in every event she helped plan. Throughout the years, Linker became more than just acquaintances with industry leaders and association members. Linker became close friends with many, and she never met a stranger. Linker received many awards and recognition for her dedication to industry and the Association. Linker left behind a loving husband, Mike, two daughters, Leslie and Lindsey, five grandchildren and two great-grandchildren.
“The committee selected two great industry leaders to be inducted into the Alabama Poultry Hall of Fame,” said Alabama Poultry and Egg Association CEO Johnny Adams. “Grace and Linker both have had a lasting impact that will continue to serve and shape the state’s poultry industry.”
