Some people run from their jobs when retirement day comes around, but one local woman is going to slowly leave her post after 33 years of service as she continues serving the community she has grown to love.

Peggie Byrd recently announced her retirement from Alabama Power Company with her last official day April 29.

“It’s been 33 years,” Byrd said. “I started with the company in April 1978. I came to Atmore in September 1999 by way of Mobile and Montgomery. It’s been wonderful and I’m just kind of easing out.”

Byrd, who serves as manager for the Atmore and Flomaton offices of Alabama Power Company, will continue to serve the company in some capacity.

“I will continue to serve on boards and committees that I’m already serving on,” Byrd said. “I’ll even be hanging around a little over the next couple of weeks to help out. I want to be able to take the new manager, once they are hired, around to businesses and community leaders to introduce them to the community. I didn’t have that luxury when I came here and I know how difficult it can be coming into a community where you don’t know anyone.”

Although Byrd was a stranger when she came to Atmore 13 years ago, she’s no stranger to the community and intends to remain an active member of the Atmore area.

“I have really enjoyed being here,” Byrd said. “I didn’t know how I was going to enjoy a small community being from a big city. But, I have come to think of Atmore as home. I have made many friends here and hold those friendships very dear.”

Through her time in Atmore, Byrd has become a familiar face throughout the community. Byrd said her volunteer service will continue and could see an increase when she fully retires.

“I plan to keep volunteering in this community,” Byrd said. “I work the YMCA, the Rotary Club the Industrial Development Board and some others.”

Byrd offered her thanks to the community for their warmth throughout the years.

“Atmore is a wonderful place,” Byrd said. “It’s warm and friendly and I was made to feel like I was at home quickly. Everyone was very cordial and pleasant to me when I came here and it’s been that way ever since.”

Byrd said she does have some plans for her retirement that will take her on the road.

“I hope to be able to do a little traveling, now,” Byrd said. “I’ve never been on a cruise and I think I would like to do that. I hope to spend time visiting with my children, too. I’ve got plans. We’ll just see where they go.”

Byrd has been active in the community have been on boards and volunteering with countless organizations including the Atmore Area Chamber of Commerce, the Atmore Area YMCA Board, the Atmore Industrial Development Board, the Hippy Advisory Council and a member of The Atmore Advance Reader Advisory Council.