MURFREESBORO, TN (WGNS) - Rutherford County marked the end of an era this week as County Commissioner Pettus Read officially stepped away from his District 8 seat. True to form, his final day wasn’t spent reminiscing—it was spent working.

Read’s first stop was a meeting with County Mayor Joe Carr, both the current and incoming sheriffs, Mayor‑elect Randy Allen, fellow commissioners, and members of the long‑running study committee tasked with planning a new Justice Center. The group has spent two years shaping ideas for the project, and Read said the conversation was both productive and encouraging. As he stepped off the committee, members suggested he remain involved as a citizen representative, offering insight drawn from his years of experience.

His second meeting of the day carried long‑term significance for county employees and residents. Officials made it official: the former Bank of America building on East Main will be completely rebuilt and transformed into Rutherford County’s new Administration Building. Once complete, it will house Election Commission offices, Planning and Engineering, Finance, Codes, and Fire Administration—essentially replacing the aging Goldstein building. The move keeps county operations clustered around the Historic Courthouse and adds much‑needed parking downtown.

“It was a good day to finish out twelve years of service,” Read said, noting he was able to personally say goodbye to employees and friends he’s worked alongside for more than a decade.

For many in Rutherford County, Pettus Read’s retirement marks more than the end of a commission term. Read has spent a lifetime celebrating the stories, soil, and people of this community. A history lover with deep farming roots, he’s equally at home discussing 19th‑century landmarks or tending the land his family has worked for generations. His involvement with the Rutherford County Historical Society, his advocacy for rural residents, and his steady presence at civic events have made him one of the county’s most recognizable and enduring voices.

He leaves office the same way he served—quietly, faithfully, and with a deep love for the place he calls home. A farmer, a storyteller, and a citizen who shows up, Pettus Read’s imprint on Rutherford County won’t fade anytime soon.