Family, friends mark clerk's retirement with celebration
By News-Argus Staff
Published in News on November 16, 2006 1:45 PM
More than 100 friends, family members and co-workers gathered Tuesday at the Steak Barn to wish outgoing Wayne County Clerk of Court Marshall Minchew, 59, a happy retirement -- and to mark the end of his 28-year career with the state.
His newly elected replacement, Pam Minshew, spoke on behalf of the employees during the party and thanked Minchew for running an office that "blossomed under his watch."
During his tenure, Minchew oversaw numerous projects in the office -- the purchase of a new phone system, furniture and new computer technology.
He also encouraged employees to further their education and tightened security at the department, Mrs. Minshew said.
Minchew, who sat at a table surrounded by his wife, Gail, mother, Rosa, and grandchildren, Mackenzie, 6, Ashley, 6, Debra, 5, and Mason, 4, occasionally flashed his trademark smile as Mrs. Minshew continued.
After presenting her predecessor with a gold watch with "Wayne County Clerk of Court" and his years of service engraved on the white facing, Mrs. Minshew gave him a hug -- and a joke.
"I want to know when are you going to get out of my parking spot," she said.
Minchew began his career as a deputy serving under Sheriff Bill Adams. In 1979, he retired as a deputy and was appointed as a magistrate in the Wayne County Magistrates' Office, a position he retired from after 20 years of service.
He then decided to enter the political arena.
In 1998, Minchew took on incumbent Clerk of Court Hardy Sullivan. He prevailed and ran unopposed four years later.
Minchew said he loved his job, but what he liked the most is all of the friends that he met along the way.
"I've been able to meet a lot of good people while working in the judicial branch of government for the last 28 years," the Goldsboro native said. "Wayne County has a lot to be proud of."
Minchew thanked his employees for the time and effort they put in to making the office run more efficiently.
"Without their hard work and dedication, there's no way this office could function as efficiently as it currently does," he said.
As part of his work to improve customer service, Minchew established cross training, so employees would become more knowledgeable about the varied functions of the clerk's office to serve the public more expeditiously.
Since taking office in 1998, Minchew viewed security in the office as another one of his chief concerns, he said.
"In light of all the violence that has been occurring nationwide, I feel that tighter security measures should aid the public and employees in feeling comfortable when conducting business in the clerk's office," he said. "Currently, there are cameras in the office, a window that shields the cashiers from the public and lockable doors. However, the doors remain unlocked for the public unless there is a major security issue."
Minchew said he is proud of the accomplishments he has made at the clerk's office. He added he is comforted by the fact that he's leaving the department in capable hands.
"I feel good about the advancements this office has made and look forward to seeing the next clerk expand on what we have begun here over the last eight years," he said.