LUMBERTON — Ricky Harris closes one chapter of his life Monday and opens a new one.
New Year’s Eve is his last day on the job as Robeson County manager, a role that will be assumed by Assistant County Manager Kellie Blue.
His retirement is bittersweet, but it is time to move on, Harris said. He is looking forward to retirement.
“I plan to play golf and work with my church,” he said. “I may take an intermittent position if something opens up, but I’m really not looking.”
After seven years as manager and a total of 15 in county-related positions, Harris is looking forward to his most important job: full-time grandfather.
“I have two grandbabies and I’m expecting another one,” said Harris, who worked previously as the supervisor of the county Board of Elections , as assistant county manager and then interim county manager. “I’m sure I’ll get a honey-do list as well.”
Harris said he will miss the staff, the commissioners he’s worked with and the residents he’s been able to help.
“I’m not sure I’ve made a great impact, but I made sure to keep the ship afloat,” he said.
Accomplishments he’s proud of are the county’s Emergency Operations Center and renovation of the Department of Social Services building.
“Emergency Operations Center was the lifesaver of the two storms because of the size of it, the location and the way it was equipped,” he said. “I think we saved lives with the new operations center. I think we would’ve lost lives with the old one. It was that crucial.”
Harris, 61, would have liked to see the completion of the BB&T building, destined to be the county’s new administration building, but believes it is in good hands with Blue.
He leaves disappointed that an effort in 2016 to build new schools never got traction.
“I think it would have been earth-shattering to have 14 new school in Robeson County,” Harris said. “I think it would have been amazing as to what could be accomplished, but it disappoints me that we didn’t get that opportunity.”
The new gender makeup of the Robeson County Board of Commissioners is something he would’ve liked to see in action as manager.
“I missed the opportunity of working with the ladies, especially one and the possibility of two,” he said. “It’s going to be a change.”
Faline Locklear Dial was elected to the District 4 seat that was held by Noah Woods, who did not seek re-election. Pauline Campbell and Linda Sealey both are vying for the District 2 seat to which Berlester Campbell, Pauline’s late husband, won re-election. Berlester Campbell died Sept. 28 and left the county Democratic Party seeking a person to serve hisfour-year term.
“I think all of the commissioners have good intentions,” he said. “I enjoyed working with the staff and the administration and department heads. The chamber, all of them were good relationships.”
One relationship he values is the one he has developed with Commissioner Jerry Stephens, the new chairman of the county Board of Commissioners.
“It’s always hard not to miss Mr. Jerry,” Harris said. “Me and Mr. Jerry always have an interesting conversation and he has an interesting perspective that you don’t expect.”
Stephens said Harris has done a good job.
“We’ve had a good relationship,” Stephens said. “In that type of position he’s got his time in. I think he is going to turn into a community person. He might run for commissioner one day. I wouldn’t put it past him.”
Harris was a good manager, humble, but stood his ground on issues he felt were important, the chairman said.
“Since he’s been here he’s been thinking for himself,” Stephens said. “We never tried to dictate to him or micromanage the man. He’s been his own person and has made good decisions and good hires.”
Stephens said he will keep in touch with Harris.
“We’ll still be playing golf together, and I’m going to keep playing him until I beat him,” he said.
Stephens believes Harris is making the right move.
“Ricky to me is wise,” he said. “He’s got his time and in and wants to be relieved of all the stress.”
Harris agrees.
“The hours can wear on you,” Harris said. “You get tired of meeting until nine at night two to three times a week,” he said. “Sixty hours a week doesn’t seem like much until you do the math.”
Harris said his leaves the job in good hands.
“Kellie is a numbers person,” he said. “She is fantastic with the finance part. The day-to-day operation with the commissioners is something she will have to concentrate on, but as far as the county finances and taxes Kellie is going to be super. I think she’s ready for it.”
Harris is a member of Prospect United Methodist Church and that’s where he will be spending some of his time.
“They have a men’s group and have a feeding program,” he said. “We have a group of ladies that we feed and we feed folks at our shelter.”
He will be either delivering meals to people who need them or bringing people to the church to get a good meal, Harris said. That’s after he spends a couple weeks at the beach relaxing with his wife, Pat, his wife of 13 years.
“I’ve been here (Robeson County) all my life,” he said. “I love the space. I love the people around me, and I love the diversity.”
