Carter County Commissioner Ray Lyons submits letter of resignation
Published 4:21 pm Thursday, July 30, 2020
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Photo Contributed Commissioner Ray Lyons listed his official resignation date as Aug. 3.
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BY BRITTNEE NAVE
STAR CORRESPONDENT
Ray Lyons, Chairman of the Carter County Commission and a commissioner of the seventh district, sent in his letter of resignation on July 27.
Lyons explained his reasoning for the resignation in the letter he sent to Patty Woodby, Vice-Chairwoman.
He wrote:
Please accept my resignation as Carter County Commissioner serving in District 7. This has been a very difficult decision but one that is best for me, my family and the constituents of the County.
I am continuing to deal with more health problems and family issues as well. As an elected official and leader, I realize it is time for me to resign.
I have enjoyed serving in this capacity for six years and have seen a lot of good results during this time period. I have had the distinct pleasure of serving in many leadership roles, and I will always remember those times.
I am thankful that I was able to lead the Committees and the Commission in a positive direction. I will always cherish and respect the friendships and working relationships formed during this period of time. I pray that God will richly bless each of you and the people of Carter County.
“This resignation will be effective on August 3rd, 2020. Could you please forward this letter to all Commissioners and elected officials?
Respectfully,
Ray Lyons
Commissioner, District 7
Lyons reflected on his time in the Commission and described the experience as rewarding. During his early years serving as a commissioner, he served on the Financial Management Committee followed by the Building and Grounds Committee as a chair, which oversaw the remodel of the Health Department and relocation of the Election Commission office.
“During the first four years, you are just trying to learn the ins and outs of how things work,” he said.
For the last two years, Lyons has served as Chairman of the Commission.
“These last two years have been very rewarding as the leader,” he said. “What I ran on was leadership and team building.”
Lyons explained his desire to maintain working in this role over the last two years but explained that his ongoing health issues have made the past few months difficult, hence his resignation.
Despite resigning, Lyons, who has a 40-year background in social work as well as military service, still wants to serve his community.
He will serve on a couple of boards and will also serve in community aspects like church.
Lyons is confident in Woodby, who will take his place until September allowing for elections of new officials in offices. He feels that his role as a mentor has been successful and spoke highly of her filling his shoes.
“Servanthood has always been my cup of tea,” said Lyons.
