THOMASVILLE- Judge S. Andrews (Andy) Seery retired on Monday, December 30, from his position as Chief Magistrate.

Seery was first elected in 2005, after ousting longtime incumbent Chief Magistrate Grace D. Garland by 555 votes.

Since then, Seery has worked to make lasting improvements to the Magistrate Court and impart wisdom to his clerks.

His impact was felt on Monday afternoon when colleagues, friends, and family gathered at the Plaza to celebrate his two decades of service to Thomas County.

Thomas County Board of Commissioners Chairman Wiley Grady honored Seery by presenting him with a plaque to commemorate his time on the bench.

Seery thanked Grady and the Board for the sweet parting gift before Chief Clerk Cristy Wright presented Seery with another meaningful gesture.

“Eighteen years ago, you hired a 22-year-old to be your clerk,” she said. “I didn’t come in completely blind, but I did come in as a young, shy, hardworking lady.”

While Wright admitted she may have come off as a “know-it-all,” she soon found out she did not know it all and could learn from Seery.

“Through it all, you (Seery) have led us with knowledge, respect, and compassion,” she said. “I appreciate the time you have taken to carry on conversations with me and I appreciate the concern you have shown us when we were injured or ill, but mostly I thank you for the lessons that were given knowingly or unknowingly.”

Wright told Seery she could only hope to do him proud, as the next chapter unfolds at the Magistrate Court.

She then presented Seery with a shadow box, gifted by his employees, for his unwavering dedication to Thomas County and his staff.

“Our hopes are that we remember the extraordinary lessons you have taught us and that we can extend the same compassion you have shown to us,” she said. “We are truly blessed beyond measure to have known you.”

Seery thanked Wright and his staff for their kind words, before addressing the crowd.

“Thank you all so much,” he said. “It has been my privilege and honor to serve you and this community.”

Seery acknowledged how Thomasville was a special community, and although he would no longer be serving as a Judge, it was now up to the staff and residents to keep Thomasville special.

“We are very fortunate; Thomas County is a place above, and I don’t know if we often realize it,” he said.

As Seery enters retirement in the community he calls home, Wright reflected on some of the memorable moments she shared with him in his career.

“He taught me to have patience and that everyone has a story worth listening to,” she said. “He showed me that sometimes there is no right or wrong. He just taught me so many things that I can’t begin to put into words.”

Most importantly, Wright said Seery showed her the value of family, and how everyone in the Magistrate Court office is a family.

“We see each other as much as we do our own family,” she said. “We all need to get along with one another and take the time to listen to what’s going on before we jump to conclusions about anything.”

More than anything, Wright said she would miss her talks with Seery and him regaling her with tales of his time in the military.

Wright will now work under the direction of Matt Shiner. She said the two have carried on several conversations, and she is interested to see the direction he takes the court in.