The Messenger/Ngoc Vo

Having lived in Pike Country for more than 20 years, Ben Fleming said he found no better place to raise his children than here.

“I feel like I have been here all my life,” Fleming said. “My grandparents, everybody in my family, even distant relatives are from Pike County. I moved back here a long time ago to be closer to them.”

Fleming is a lineman for Alabama Power Company, working in Eufaula four days a week. The rest of his time revolves around his 14-year-old son and 8-year-old daughter, he said.

“I am a single parent, so the children are pretty much my life,” Fleming said. “I like raising them here because of the people in the community and the excellent school system.”

According to Fleming, Pike County is a safe community for children.

“Everybody looks out for everybody in this area,” Fleming said. “Most people around here are god-fearing people. They are friendly and morally sound.

“They gave us rides when we needed, and sometimes did babysitting. .. My family are Christians and greatly benefits from a Christian community even though we don’t go to church as often anymore. We are out of town most weekends, because I try to keep the children busy doing something, to keep them happy.”.

Fleming’s children attend Banks Primary and Pike County High School. He said the education quality is because of the teachers.

“It gets down to the teachers,” he said. “They put their heart and soul in teaching. I believe they are emotionally invested in the children.”

According to Fleming, Pike County also provides his family with a lot of fun and family-bonding activities. His children love going camping, riding horses and four-wheelers. They go camping about seven times a year and one of their favorite spots is Heart of Dixie trail ride.

“I like (the area) spread out like this, making a little room to breathe,” Fleming said. “My kids are outdoor children. They like to be outside, to play outside. My son likes playing football, too.”