By Haley Mitchell Godwin

The Crenshaw County Courthouse held its annual Christmas employee meal on Dec. 9 and honored Commissioner Charles Sankey Jr. as one of 20 employees recognized for their terms of employment.

After the meal, Crenshaw County Administrator David Smyth thanked Sankey Jr. for his twenty years of service and presented him with an engraved plaque with the words ‘In grateful appreciation and recognition of 20 years of ongoing service and dedication to the Citizens of Crenshaw County. Thank you for your contributions from the bottom of our hearts.’

“During my years as Crenshaw County Administrator, I have had the opportunity to work with many fine, caring commissioners, including four different chairmen,” Smyth said. “You learn someone’s heart in that length of time and you also learn life lessons. Charlie Sankey doesn’t just preach the Gospel on Sundays, he lives it 24-7 and he brings that special benefit to the Commission every day. I have been fortunate to serve as his Administrator my entire time with the County, and I will look back fondly on special memories and friendships made.”

Crenshaw County Probate Judge Will Tate echoed Smyth’s sentiments.

“Commissioner Sankey is consistent,” Tate said. “He says what he means and means what he says. He is always quick to listen and slow to speak. Crenshaw County is lucky to have a man with his integrity.”
Smyth noted once Commissioner Sankey completes the term he was recently reelected to serve, he will have served in those 24 years, half of that time as Chairman of the Commission.

Smyth opened the program by welcoming everyone and introducing new employees. He then presented certificates of appreciation for years of service to qualifying employees. Certificates were awarded in five-year increments with approximately 20 employees recognized, ranging from five to thirty years.

Sankey gave a brief overview on the subject of loving one another. He discussed how love is not something we just do, but something we live, crediting this characteristic to the twenty years of successful teamwork among all of the commissioners that he has been part of.

“I love each and every one of you unconditionally, and I wish you nothing but the very best in this holiday season,” Sankey said.