Joe Willis, who began working at Grady General Hospital in March 1962, has retired after 64 years of service. At the time of his retirement on February 20, Willis was recognized as the longest-serving team member within the Archbold Hospitals system.
Willis started his career just two years after Grady General Hospital relocated to its current site on 5th Street, before it became part of Archbold Hospitals. Throughout his tenure, he held several roles including floor tech in environmental services, driver, orderly, and supply tech. His primary responsibility was maintaining a safe and clean environment for patients, visitors, and staff. Willis noted that interacting with visitors and coworkers was the most enjoyable aspect of his job.
“Mr. Willis is not only the longest-serving member of our team here, but he truly is one of the most dedicated,” said 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 an extensive family network that includes children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, nieces, and nephews. He is also active in Bethlehem AME Church and the Masonic Lodge. Upon retiring, he plans to spend more time relaxing.
“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 said. When asked about advice for future Archbold Grady employees, he stated: “Obey the rules and do your work with pride.”
On Friday, friends, family members, and colleagues gathered at Archbold Grady to celebrate Willis’s career. He received a new recliner as a retirement gift.
Archbold Hospitals operates as a not-for-profit organization focused on improving health outcomes in South Georgia and North Florida through hospitals and clinics across the region (https://www.archbold.org/). The organization supports local communities by offering wellness programs and educational initiatives (https://www.archbold.org/). Its flagship campus is located in Thomasville, Georgia (https://www.archbold.org/), and it has been recognized among the nation’s top 100 hospitals by Fortune and PINC AI (https://www.archbold.org/).
Archbold expressed gratitude for Willis’s long-standing commitment to both the organization and residents of Grady County.
