Deputy clerk to fill remainder of Hutchings’ term
Published 2:00 pm Saturday, August 22, 2015
THOMASVILLE — The Thomas County chief deputy clerk of court, Randa Wharton, will become clerk of court on Tuesday, Sept. 1, upon the retirement of 34-year Clerk of Court David Hutchings.
Wharton has been employed by the clerk’s office since March 1, 1999.
Georgia law says the chief deputy shall become clerk if a clerk dies, resigns or otherwise vacates the office. The new clerk will serve the remainder of the former clerk’s term — without a special election — if more than two years of the former clerk’s term have expired.
Hutchings, 68, would have been up for re-election in 2016.
“Randa has the technical savvy needed now more than ever, and she has the heart and disposition for public service. She has great character and is well liked by the legal community and staff,” Hutchings said. “One of the marks of leadership is to leave with a good and well-prepared replacement.”
An Indiana native, Wharton moved to South Georgia with her parents in 1986, when her father began farming pecans. Her parents are Mitchell County residents Joan and Randall Due.
She and her husband of 20 years, Andrew Wharton, have three children who attend the Thomas County School System. Mr. Wharton is a City of Thomasville employee, who manages the Energy Control Center, among other duties.
Wharton attended Southern Regional Technical College in 1996, and graduated from the micro computer specialist program. She is a 2011 graduate of the Thomasville-Thomas County Chamber of Commerce Leadership program.
“I enjoy volunteering at my church, with Kiwanis and with Keeping Thomas County Beautiful,” Wharton said.
Wharton was appointed chief deputy clerk Aug. 15, 2014.
“(Mr.) Hutchings has shown me all the ins and outs of our office procedures. In working with this office, I have had many opportunities to work with judges, attorneys and the public. With all of my experience I feel confident that I can run the clerk of court office effectively and efficiently in the upcoming years,” Wharton said.
Senior reporter Patti Dozier can be reached at (229) 226-2400, ext. 1820.
