It is not often an employee stays with the same company for 35 years, but that has been the case for Red Bay street employee Wayne Garrison.

Garrison celebrated his retirement Wednesday at Red Bay City Hall, joined by friends and family.

“Wayne, when we say we are going to miss you, we are really going to miss you,” said Red Bay Mayor Charlene Fancher.

Fancher said Garrison is a hard worker who has always been willing to go above and beyond to help the city, including working extra hard this past year to help maintain the city during the pandemic.

“He’s got that smile and that sweet perception, but let me tell you, he’s tough,” Fancher said.

Garrison said he has seen a lot of changes in Red Bay, full of good times and bad times.

“It’s kind of sad to be leaving,” Garrison said. “I’ve been with them for so long.”

Garrison said his retirement will still be full of plenty of work, including projects around the house and helping his mother.

He said his time working in Red Bay have been filled with many special memories, but his favorite memories involve his co-workers.

“It’s a bunch of good guys. We all laugh, cut up together and get along,” Garrison said. “We work together real well, and it is just always enjoyable to be around them.”

Garrison said he has enjoyed his time as a city employee and is grateful for the people he was able to work around.

“I want to say a special thanks to the mayor and the council,” Garrison said. “They’re a great group to work with, and I just want to commend them and tell them how much I appreciate them.”

Fancher said she is happy to see Garrison begin a new journey in life but will miss him and all he has brought to Red Bay.

“It is a happy day for Wayne but a bittersweet day for us because we are losing a good one,” Fancher said. “We are so thankful for him and the good work he has done for Red Bay.”