Stores Manager Tony Barnes (pictured above with his crew from Stores Warehouse) has retired after 22 years of service with Greenville Utilities. "I have enjoyed working with lots of good people through the years," he said.

Tony managed a staff of seven and approximately $6 million worth of inventory that our crews use on a daily basis, plus whatever is needed in emergencies like snowstorms, hurricanes, cut water or gas mains, etc. On an average day, Stores receives 10 to 12 large truck shipments of inventory from tiny nuts and bolts to utility poles and pipes.

Tony has seen three major storms during his time at GUC, Hurricanes Floyd (1999), Irene (2011), and Matthew (2016), as well as many other weather emergencies. When storms like those are expected, Tony and his team make adjustments to inventory in preparation for any extra supplies that may be needed.

"We make sure everyone has what they need, when they need it," he said. "It's really like a family atmosphere here, and we all work together to make sure that our customers' and employees' needs are met. I'll miss that."

Tony and his wife, Sandy (Director of the IT Department), have been married for 37 years and have a son, Travis, daughter, Mallory, and brand new baby grandson, Brayden. Travis and his wife, Katie, live in Tampa, Florida with their baby. In retirement, Tony plans to spend a lot of time in Florida helping out with Brayden while searching for a Florida home for him and Sandy. He also plans to do more fishing, hunting, and cooking.

Tony, we wish you the best of luck and much happiness in retirement!