Russellville resident Tommy Montgomery has been a staple in the Franklin County Courthouse for three decades, but at the end of the month, Montgomery will be retiring after 33 years of service to the county.

Montgomery, who has served as a custodian, said he has made many friends over his career at the courthouse and not seeing those people on a daily basis would be the hardest part about retiring.

“The people at the courthouse are so nice,” Montgomery said.

“I just can’t say enough good things about them. They’ve all been so nice to me, and I will miss seeing all of them.”

Montgomery said he would also miss several different parts of his job.

“I really do enjoy cutting the grass,” he said. “That’s one of my favorite things.

“I’ll miss working with Bill [Cheatham] cutting the grass and doing other projects. I’ll also miss working with Loretta. She has been so good to me and helps me out a lot.”

Montgomery said he’d also miss talking to people when he makes his daily rounds in the afternoons.

“I love to talk to people,” he said. “There’s some people I like to make jokes with and laugh with and I will miss those things.”

But Montgomery said he would definitely be back to visit all his friends and co-workers.

“I plan on coming back and seeing everyone,” he said.

“I won’t know what to do not being here every day, so I’ll have to come back to say ‘hi’ to everybody.”

Montgomery said he was looking forward to having some time to relax and catch up on some home projects after he retires.

“There are several things around my house that I want to do,” he said.

“I’ll have more time for those things now and to spend time with family.”

Franklin County Probate Judge Barry Moore said Montgomery would definitely be missed around the courthouse.

“Tommy is a great worker and has always worked hard at everything he’s done,” Moore said.

“We will miss him very much and wish him the best upon his retirement.”

A retirement party in Montgomery’s honor will be held this Thursday, July 31, from 2-4 p.m. at the Franklin County Courthouse in the small courtroom.