R.M. "Bubba" Small, left, is congratulated by City of Millen Manager Lamar Faircloth upon his retirement after 36 years of service to the City of Millen. (Staff photo by Deborah Bennett) On Thursday, Aug. 27, R.M. "Bubba" Small turned in his keys, radio and vehicle and declared that he was retiring as the City of Millen Utility Superintendent.

Although he officially logged 36 years of service to the city, Mr. Small began working as a helper with the Utilities Department with his father at the age of nine, digging ditches and painting both water meters and fire hydrants. This indoctrination into the City of Millen's workforce led him to follow in his father's footsteps in making Utilities Superintendent his lifelong career. Now, his son, Mikel Small, is continuing the father-son tradition at the City of Waynesboro.

Mr. Small is a graduate of South Georgia Technical College in Americas, and he has earned certifications in water and wastewater from the State of Georgia, as well as numerous other certificates and awards throughout his career. He was recently recognized by the Municipal Gas Authority of Georgia with the Bill Hershey Award for his excellent leadership and commitment to his community.

"Bubba has been a very loyal and dedicated employee for 36 years. I consider his retirement a tremendous loss to the city, but it is a well-earned retirement. He is a very knowledgeable person and has done a superb done," commented City Manager Lamar Faircloth.