By Terry Witt – Spotlight Senior Reporter
Quinton “Punkin” Parker was one of those individuals in Levy County government who was well-liked and respected regardless of what department he worked in and was widely admired for his work ethic.
His supervisors said they hated to see him go. They told him if he wanted to tear up his retirement papers they would accept him back in a heartbeat. But Parker is retiring after 30 years with the county.
He bade his fellow county workers and county commission members a fond goodbye Tuesday after they finished heaping a mountain of praise on him.
“You have done everything you’ve been asked to do by the road department and this Board,” said Commission Chairman John Meeks.
Meeks said the board appreciates everything Parker did for the county, regardless of where he was assigned and regardless of whether it was day or night, weekends, emergencies or holidays.
Parker received a plaque and sign that said, “You’ve created a life you don’t need to retire from. Thank you, Punkin.”
Parker was known to rise before the roosters crowed and give a full day’s work without ever complaining.
“I thank you for the devotion you have given to this county and for the hard work,” said Commissioner Mike Joyner. “You are a part of this family. You are family to us.”
Commissioner Lilly Rooks described Parker as not only an “outstanding employee” but a great friend to the employees and the board.
Commissioner Matt Brooks said Parker was a “hard worker, extremely trustworthy and extremely loyal.”
“Obviously your loyalty to the county is appreciated,” Brooks said.
Commissioner Rock Meeks, a former rank and file county employee, said Parker always arrived at work early and performed any job he was asked to do. Meeks said he possessed a wealth of knowledge after all those years with the county.
“You’ve been a true asset to the county,” Meeks said.
Property Appraiser Osborne Barker described Parker as a “super ambassador to Levy County.” Barker, also a former rank and file county employee, remembered Parker as an employee who had a great attitude regardless of the position he held. He said Parker treats him the same today as when he was lower in the ranks of county government.
Road Superintendent Kelly Jerrels said Parker never gave any excuses regardless of when he was called to work, whether it was weekends or nights. He was there.
Assistant Road Superintendent Jessie Durrance said Parker was welcome to tear up his retirement papers and come back to work.
“I still thank you for all you have done for me,” Parker responded. “It’s meant a lot to me.”
Photo by Terry Witt: Retiring county employee Quinton Parker accepts a plaque and a goodbye sign from Levy County Commissioners and his supervisors at the Countyoad Department. From the left are Commissioner Matt Brooks, Road Superintendent Kelly Jerrels, Commissioner Lilly Rooks. Park’s wife Quanda Parker, Commission Chairman John Meeks, Quinton Parker, Commissioner Rock Meeks and Assistant Road Superintendent Jessie Durrance.
Board of County Commission Regular Meeting May 8, 2018
Posted May 10, 2018
