Gary Taylor started his career lining softball fields.
It was 1971. He was 17 years old, and had just graduated from high school.
Since then, he's worked in several different roles for the city of Charleston, from assistant fire chief to public works director.
After more than 46 years working for the city, Taylor is retiring. Dozens of city employees held a retirement reception for him Thursday.
Taylor started his career working in maintenance within the Parks and Recreation Department, later moving on to the Charleston Fire Department. He retired from the department after more than two decades of service, taking a job as the city's parking system director days later.
Taylor never expected to stay with the city for his entire career. He called it was God's plan.
"You hear all these people give you gushy reasons, but I just felt like this is where I needed to be," Taylor said.
He can't recall a specific favorite memory or crazy moment. But he remembers the people he's met throughout the years - from his fellow firefighters to the people asking questions on snow days. He calls the city his extended family.
"I am going to miss the challenges, and I'm going to miss the people," Taylor said.
But Taylor said his retirement still "hasn't sunk in yet." He said he's still waiting for the moment when he realizes that he won't be the one in charge.
"I've got to have my hands involved in it, whether it's out here with one of the street department or if it's something major," Taylor said. "I'm a control freak."
He said he's sure he'll be on the outside looking in, making small criticisms and offering advice.
But he knows the department will be in good hands with now-Police Chief Brent Webster taking over the Public Works Department.
"I know his background, and I know the kind of man and person he is," Taylor said. "He's a fair and honest man, and I know that's what the job details."
Mayor Danny Jones praised Taylor in a speech, saying that he's made life easier for people throughout the city.
"During the snow and during those trying times for the street department, Gary was always there," Jones said.
Jones also told well-wishers about Taylor's work in Clendenin after last June's floods. Taylor stepped in to lead public works efforts in the town without hesitating.
While Jones applauded his work, Taylor said it wasn't worth public praise. He said he had no choice - he said the city had to go help the town as soon as he saw the level of destruction.
"All we did is go up there and helped those folks," Taylor said. "We did little more than what I'd expect my neighbor to do for me."
His days will be slower now, spending more time with his family instead of with city employees. But when the snow falls this year, Taylor has a plan to be a part of the street crew's lives.
"I told the guys that I'm going to go put on my sweatshirt and my heaviest pants I got," Taylor said. "I'm gonna go on the porch with my cup of coffee, and wave at them as they go by."
Reach Ali Schmitz at ali.schmitz@wvgazettemail.com, 304-348-4843 or follow @SchmitzMedia on Twitter.