Forsyth County bids farewell this month to several elected officials, from school board and court system to the county commission. The FCN will feature them in the weeks ahead.
Forsyth County's Clerk of Court will be replaced in January, but he's not leaving without a congratulatory bang of the gavel.
Doug Sorrells was the guest of honor Wednesday at a party at the Forsyth County Courthouse that hailed his retirement after 12 years of service.
Sorrells, who did not seek re-election, will be replaced by Greg Allen.
"I've never been retired, so I don't know exactly what to expect," said Sorrells, adding that travel and working on old cars top his to-do list.
He said he plans to stay close to the courts and may come back occasionally to serve as a bailiff.
"This county's been through a big transition of growth in my time, maybe tripled, and it's been a hard thing to deal with," Sorrells said. "But my staff has made my job easier."
Allen said he has been working closely with Sorrells for the past three weeks, learning the ropes.
"Doug does such a good job," Allen said. "I'm very fortunate."
The celebration drew many local judges, attorneys, courthouse staff and other officials.
Forsyth County District Attorney Penny Penn thanked Sorrells for his service.
"The D.A.'s office has always had a good relationship with him and the rest of his office," she said. "We've enjoyed working with them.
"I'm going to miss him as well as everybody else in the office ... We wish you well."
Steve Ferrell, Ninth District Court administrator, said Sorrells brought integrity and experience to the position.
"I've had the opportunity of traveling around the state working with a lot of clerks, and sometimes when you work with someone on a daily basis you tend to take some of their skills and their talents for granted," he said.
"Doug will be sorely missed not only here in Forsyth County, he will be missed by the Ninth Judicial Administrative District and will be missed across the state."