Dallas County Probate Judge Johnny Jones will say goodbye today after 30 years of service to the people of Selma, Dallas County and the State of Alabama.

He was not unfamiliar with service to his fellow man when he entered the office, having already served in the Air Force and the National Guard.

As probate judge, Jones dealt with the citizens of Dallas County one-on-one. The questions and concerns that came through his office were as varied as the faces of those presenting them.

And, in each case, Jones was accessible, and did his best to get an answer, or a resolution to the dilemma. With each resident he assisted, he had one rule: “Treat everybody the way you want to be treated.”

A part of his responsibility over the past few years has included a role in Team Selma, a group that has worked to recruit industry to our area.While they had some setbacks, Team Selma also saw many successes in bringing new business – and jobs – to Dallas County.

He has helped prepare his successor, Kim Ballard, for the position, and has assured local residents that he’ll answer the call if needed.

In the meantime, he certainly deserves to spend time with his family and friends, and pursuing his hobbies, fishing and hunting.

We wish Judge Johnny Jones all the best in his retirement, and thank him for his service to the people of Dallas County.