Willie Boyd, Gas Technician IV, has retired after 28.5 years of service with Greenville Utilities. He began his GUC career in 1996 as a Water Resources General Utility Worker on a construction crew and worked his way to Equipment Operator III. In 2000, he made a lateral move to the Gas Department.
Willie worked on a Gas construction crew that installs new natural gas mains ranging from 2 to 8 inches in diameter, repairs and replaces old mains, and works on major projects like building meter sets for larger business or industrial customers. When steel mains are involved in a project, this crew also helps with tapping into those mains, which includes drilling and welding to attach a valve or service line.
Willie's main responsibility was to run the backhoe tractor and the directional boring machine that digs underground without damaging roads or property. He also assisted the welders with prepping and handling materials before, during, and after the welds.
When asked what kept him going all these years, he said, “Honestly, the people. It’s a great place to work, but the people are what make it great.”
He went on to say that he and his crew leader, Butch Mills, have been on the same crew since 2000. “When you’re working with a group of people for a while, like me and Butch have, it makes it easier to come to work because you know how they operate,” he said. “When you work under a good person, and know them well, you don’t mind coming to work or working extra hours for emergencies and whatnot. You look out for each other whether it’s on the job or outside the job.”
Willie looks forward to spending more quality time with his family. He and his wife, Pamela, have two adult children, LeKendria and Demetrius, and two grandkids, Demetrius (2) and Morgan (7 months). He and Pamela also enjoy spending time with Willie’s mom and dad, as well his two nieces.
“I’m part of a bike club, so I’ll get to enjoy that more now,” he said. Willie has a Kawasaki ZX14 motorcycle. “We do charity rides and fundraisers. I also like working out, lifting weights, and doing yard work. It will be nice to have this extra time.”
Willie, we wish you the very best in retirement! Thank you for your years of service.
