Archbold’s Longest-Tenured Team Member Retires

Joe Willis was hired at Grady General Hospital in March 1962. For 64 years, he served patients at the Cairo hospital. At the time of his retirement on February 20, he was the longest-tenured team member across the entire Archbold system.

His first day on the job came just two years after Grady General Hospital moved to its current location on 5^th Street and long before the hospital joined the Archbold system.

In his role as a floor tech in the environmental services department, Willis worked to maintain a safe and clean environment for patients, visitors, and staff. Interacting with visitors and coworkers was his favorite part of the job, Willis shared. At other times in his six decades at the hospital, Willis also worked as a driver, an orderly and a supply tech.

“Mr. Willis is not only the longest-serving member of our team here, but he truly is one of the most dedicated,” shared Archbold Grady Administrator Crystal Wells. “We are grateful for his dedicated service to this hospital and our community. On behalf of our entire staff, we wish him the best in his retirement.”

Willis has a large family, including his children and a host of grandchildren, great-grandchildren, nieces and nephews. He is a member of Bethlehem AME Church and the Masonic Lodge. In his retirement, he plans to enjoy some well-earned relaxation.

“I would like to thank each and every one at Grady General for all the support and, most of all, for giving me a chance to join the family,” Willis shared. When asked for his advice to the next generation of Archbold Grady team members, his guidance was simple: “Obey the rules and do your work with pride.”

Friends, family, and co-workers gathered on Friday at Archbold Grady to celebrate Willis. He was presented with a new recliner to mark the occasion. Archbold thanks Joe Willis for a lifetime of service to our organization and the people of Grady County.