John Willoughby
reporter2@greenepublishing.com
It's been said that retirement is wonderful if you have two essentials: much to look back on and much to live for. City of Madison's Natural Gas Superintendent Mike Smith, who is preparing to retire after 46 dedicated years, undoubtedly has an abundance of both. Smith will cap his career at the close of day on Wednesday, May 20.
While his retirement had long been an item on his calendar, it was announced before the Madison City Commission on Tuesday, May 12. During that meeting, Smith was honored for his outstanding achievement.
"The City of Madison is honored and proud to recognize your exemplary dedicated service through 46 years of employment," said city manager Jerome Wyche. "It is with unparalleled appreciation we thank you for your unwavering commitment, outstanding leadership and attentiveness as you have successfully guided the natural gas department to a level of excellence as the superintendent."
Smith responded, calling his tenure a long haul. "I tell most of the young fellows that are being hired that I have been here longer than they are old," he laughed. "There's been a lot of challenges in the city, there's been a lot of hard work and there's been a lot of good times. It's been a pleasure working for the city."
While four years shy of 50 years, Smith has worked with multiple generations and has made impressions on nearly everyone he's worked with. Jack Sealy, of Lee, worked with Smith for 29 years, before retiring himself. Sealy worked in the water department for two years before becoming a purchasing agent for the city. "I met Mike in '86," Sealy said, noting Smith's generous, kind and helpful persona. "Mike was an outstanding individual. He will do anything he can to help anybody."
Water superintendent Johnny Webb, who is working on his 30th year with the City of Madison, says Smith is "a great friend to have around." Webb has worked closely with Smith on multiple projects. He states whenever water pipes were laid, gas was laid as well. "Mike helped me a lot over the years," Webb added. "The city's going to miss him."
Smith, a devoted family man, is married to Judy Smith and has five children: Josh Smith, Casey Andrews, David James, Brandon James and Nicole Hudson. Over the years, on the weekends and afternoon, Smith enjoyed spending time with his children and fourteen grandchildren. He currently has a fifteenth grandchild on the way. Smith also takes delight in yard work and tending to his pecan and fruit trees every morning and every night.
Every Sunday, Smith can be found in the choir at Lee First Baptist Church, where he is an active member.