CUMMING — A longtime insurance agent in Forsyth County plans to retire on Monday.

Ricky Noles, who is leaving State Farm Insurance after more than four decades, picked the date for a reason.

“I’ll turn 70 on Tuesday, and I’m retiring the day before,” Noles said. “I’m going to retire on Nov. 30, and wake up the next day and be 70 years old and be unemployed. I don’t remember doing that before.”

Noles said he is looking forward to retirement, especially golfing and spending more time with his family.

“I’ve really enjoyed Forsyth County as a State Farm agent for the past 43 and a half years,” he added. “I made a lot of friends and I raised my family here.”

Since starting his business in 1972, and being the only State Farm agent for 13 years, Noles has watched the area transform.

“I’ve been blessed to be here at the right time,” he said. “When I moved here, [Ga.] 400 wasn’t here and it was a small town, maybe 27,000 people. Everybody knew everybody and it was a real blessing to get to conduct my business in a small town where everybody knew everybody and I knew everybody by first name.

“It’s kind of changed since then, but it’s still a wonderful place.”

Noles expressed gratitude not only to his customers, but those who have made his career special.

“I’ve been very blessed to be a part of the community, enjoyed my church life, and [have had] a lot of good people that I’ve dealt with through the years,” he said. “I had a good staff that’s worked for me. I want to thank all my customers and friends that I’ve had throughout the years.

“Forsyth County has been mighty good to me and my family, and we really appreciate it. We’ll still be here. I’m not moving away or anything like that.”