As we closed out 2023, we bid farewell to three members of the team who are entering their next season of life. Between these three gentlemen alone, there is a staggering combined 120+ years of experience. As they enter retirement, we wish them a long road ahead, filled with prosperity!
STAN LEVERSON, PERRY PLANT FOREMAN
41 Years of Service
As foreman of Perry Plant, located in Senatobia, MS, he spent the last four decades making care for others his top priority.
John Paul Finerson, VP of Production, shared, “While I have only been able to work with Stan over the past few years, his high level of dedication was [obviously] apparent.”
He continued, “Stan [knew and understood] every aspect of the mining and processing operation, and that is greatly due to his humility. It has truly been an honor and privilege to be able to work with and get to better know Stan.”
Eddie Ragsdale, Superintendent, shared “Stan [was] one of the most hard-working, dedicated foremen that we [had]. His philosophy was that he’d never ask a teammate to do something that he was not willing to do himself.” Henry Reed, Assistant Superintendent, earnestly agreed with and added to Eddie’s sentiments. He remarked, “Stan was always out there trying his best to keep the plant running. He’s hard-working and cared a lot about his crew. 40 years is a long time… He’s been a good one.”
TOMMY RENFRO, SHOP MANAGER
40 Years of Service
When he first joined the team back in June of 1983, Tommy served as a Shop Mechanic. From there, this craftsman took on the roles of Field Mechanic, Planner/Scheduler, and eventually Shop Supervisor.
Matt Cox, Director of Asset Management, had incredibly high praise to share when reminiscing on Tommy’s career.
He said, “Tommy’s dedication is noteworthy, not just because of the incredible tenure, but more so because of the way he has served. Without fanfare or accolades, Tommy has worked in the background as a force multiplier; enabling others to accomplish far more than they would have otherwise. In spite of Tommy’s incredible memory about the repairs that were made, he has likely forgotten more about equipment repairs than I will ever know. And, in part, it is because of his efforts that we will continue to succeed.”
Roger Hickam, Fleet Maintenance Planner/Scheduler, shared, “Tommy’s forty years of work experience proved to be an invaluable source of information for me. His equipment knowledge and experience are [second to none].”
WILLIAM “MACK” JOHNSON, SCREED OPERATOR
40 Years of Service
What motivates you to get out of bed in the morning? Mac Johnson shared that for his 40 years before retirement, it had been getting up and coming to work to take care of his family. Yet, for Mac, each day held something a little different as he trained for several roles within his team.
Jarod Riles, General Superintendent, shared, “Mac did a little bit of everything on the crew. He was always dependable and always wanted to [get the work done]. Mac [was especially] good with the new hires. He really took them under his wing and [showed them the ropes].” Cameron Collins, Foreman, added, “Mac really didn’t miss many days of work. He was here every day and on time with an easy-going attitude.”
When asked to reflect on his time, Mac remarked, “This is a good company to work for. I’ve made a living out of it.” He joked, “It doesn’t seem like it’s been four decades, but I know it has.”
He closed by sharing the sentiment, “It’s been a great journey. I call this my work family.”
