Employees at the Carter County school bus garage are bidding farewell to two co-workers who are retiring on Monday with a combined 87 years of service to the county.
On Friday, a retirement party was held at the garage for Jerry Nave, supervisor of the garage, and Marvin Garland. As part of the celebration, Director of Schools Kevin Ward presented plaques to both men and thanked them for their service to the county school system. Nave is retiring after 52 years of working for the county school system and Garland after 35 years of service.
“We appreciate everything you have done and we will miss you but we know you will keep busy,” Ward said as he presented Garland with his plaque.
Ward then presented Nave with his plaque. “Jerry, thank you,” he said. “We love you and hope you will enjoy your retirement.”
Garland began his service with the Carter County School System in 1979. “I drove a bus for 20 years then I’ve been down here (at the bus garage) for 15 years,” he said, adding that he drove a bus route in the Blue Springs area of Stoney Creek. “I had kids and then had their kids (on his bus route).”
One of the most enjoyable aspects of his job, Garland said, was the people he had the opportunity to work with.
Despite retiring, Garland said he plans on staying busy. “I’ve got a little farm,” he said. “I can always find something to do.”
Nave’s career with the school system began in the classroom.
“I taught school and coached at Hampton High for 8 years,” Nave said. “Then I worked in maintenance as the maintenance supervisor and then I came here (to the bus garage).”
Nave coached boys basketball and taught economics, math and algebra. “My college degree is in economics, but I’m certified in about everything,” he said.
After 52 years of service, Nave has no plans to slow down. “I’ll stay busy,” he said, adding that he enjoys fishing, gardening and farming.
One of his favorite parts of his various jobs with the county school system has been the opportunity to work with children, Nave said.
“He loves children. He goes out of his way to help children, especially those with disabilities,” said Carol Whaley, special education director for Carter County Schools. “He’s a good man and he’s going to be sorely missed.”