A nearly four decade legacy came to an end on Tuesday in Pinehurst. Mayor T. W. Permenter had his letter of resignation signifying his retirement from city government accepted by the Pinehurst City Council.
Permenter said farewell to the council, saying it was the end of a good ride of over 30 years for him. “I’ve enjoyed it, the citizens, the councils I’ve worked with, and all the mayors and all the city employees, the whole Orange County, we’ve had a good day,” Permenter expressed.
City Administrator Jerry Hood, who replaced his brother Robbie as the city administrator in Pinehurst almost two years ago, actually read Permenter’s letter of resignation to the council. Afterwards Jerry reflected on his relationship with the retiring mayor joking that it took a few weeks before Permenter called him Jerry instead of Robbie.
Hood appreciates Permenter’s love for Pinehurst. “He cares about the City of Pinehurst and the condition of the City of Pinehurst what he refers to often as beautiful downtown Pinehurst,” Hood reminded.
A special presentation was made by Hood to Permenter of a large framed aerial photograph of the City of Pinehurst. Permenter had mentioned to Hood about a year ago he would like a copy of a map of the city.
Comments of appreciation were given to Permenter by Robbie Hood, members of the City Council, and the city staff. Councilman Greg Willis shared how Permenter had served as a mentor for him since Willis was just a youth. “I don’t know of a time that you weren’t part of our neighborhood, part of our city, part of our life, and I just want to thank you for everything you’ve done for me personally and for the city,” Willis thanked.
Pinehurst has changed a lot in the years Permenter served on the City Council and as mayor multiple times, but there is one event that he is especially proud to have accomplished. “We’re standing in it right now, this building as City Hall. It took us awhile, but we bought it and we’ve got a nice place from Mockingbird Street to MLK Junior Drive, it’s great,” Permenter responded.
During his more than 30 years in guiding the city Permenter had a good woman beside him, his wife of 62 years Lyndia. “He is an awesome man, and I thank God everyday that He gave him to me, very proud of the man,” Lynda Permenter replied.
No action was taken by the City Council during the meeting as far as appointing a replacement for Permenter as mayor. The procedure is for Mayor Pro Temp Sarah McClendon to assume the position until action can be taken to appoint a new mayor.
-Dan Perrine, KOGT-
Social Media