Longtime Butler County Circuit Clerk Allen Stephenson retired on Friday.

But that doesn’t mean he doesn’t still have plenty of work to do.

“My wife is taking me out to dinner tonight to celebrate my retirement, and then she’s taking me to buy a vacuum cleaner,” Stephenson quipped Monday morning. “She’s even going to let me pick it out.”

Stephenson served as Butler County’s circuit clerk for nearly two decades. On Monday, the Butler County Commission recognized Stephenson’s service to the county with a proclamation.

“We’re pleased to be able to recognize Allen’s accomplishments on behalf of the citizens of Butler County,” said Frank Hickman, Butler County Commission vice chairman. “… Allen has done his job with honor and distinction, and more than that, he’s done it with a cheerful attitude and a helpful nature.”

Butler County Commission Chairman Jesse McWilliams cited Stephenson’s commitment to the county and its public school system.

“Allen has done many great things for our county and I know he will continue to do great things for our county,” McWilliams said.

Stephenson, who chose not to seek re-election in order to focus his attention on pastoring First Baptist Church in Georgiana and Mr. Pisgah Baptist Church, called his years as circuit clerk “some of the best years” of his life.

“In terms of being a part of the community and perhaps having a chance to help, I couldn’t have asked for more,” Stephenson said. “I hope to continue to do that in the future.”

Commissioner Joey Peavy has little doubt that Stephenson will remain engaged in helping the community.

“Allen told me he was going to be a do-gooder now,” Peavy said. “I’ve know Allen since I was a child, and he’s always been a do-gooder. He’s a great asset to Butler County, and he’ll be an even more valuable asset to his churches in the south end of the county.”

Stephenson said he will now shift his attention fully to an even more important job than running the circuit clerk’s office.

“God has given me an even bigger job of leading my two churches,” Stephenson said.

In other business:

• The commission approved a request by Gerri Moye for a cemetery to be located at Mt. Rose Missionary Baptist Church pending the approval of the Butler County Health Department.
• The commission is seeking candidates to serve a six-year term on the Butler County Water Board. Interested applicants should contact County Administrator Diane Kilpatrick.
• The Butler County Courthouse will be closed Monday in observance of Martin Luther King Day.