July 2006
RAYFORD KELLEY FINALLY SAYS GOOD-BYE TO JWR

At 68 years of age, most men have been long gone from their careers.  But not Rayford Kelley.  Rayford, Industrial Relations Supervisor at No. 7 Mine is retiring after 28 years with JWR.  When asked why he waited so long to retire, Rayford replied, "I love what I do.  My biggest enjoyment are the people who support me."

By its very nature, being in Industrial Relations can put you in some uncomfortable situations.  Rayford gave this reply when asked how he handles the conflicts that arise in his job.  "This is my profession and I must conduct myself in a professional matter.  You can't take it personal.  You will make some people unhappy but you have to treat them fair but firm at the same time.  The Will Rogers saying 'I've never met a man I didn't like' applies to me and my job."

Rayford started his career with JWR in 1978 as Assistant Manager of Employment at the Training Center.  In 1981 he was promoted to Industrial Relations Supervisor at No. 4 Mine.  In 1988 he became Manager of Employment at the Central Mining Office followed by Industrial Relations Supervisor at No. 5 Mine in 1992; back to No. 4 Mine as Industrial Relations Supervisor in1998 and finally to No. 7 Mine in 2003 as Industrial Relations Supervisor.  Before coming to JWR, Rayford worked 17 years in personnel for Gulf States Paper in Tuscaloosa.

Jean, Rayford's bride of 45 years, says she is moving to the beach with or without her husband.  She jokingly told folks at Rayford's retirement it was alright with her if he continued to work for JWR.  "Just tell him I have moved to the coast when he retires."

Rayford says he will spend more time with his hobby of fly fishing and providing free babysitting for his two grandchildren.

Click photos for larger view.

No. 7 Mine Manager Trent Thrasher tells a few stories about Rayford (holding his grandson Samuel).	VP Fred Kozel remarks that Rayford probably hired 80 percent of all the employees at JWR.
HR Manager Mike Hall tells war stories of his times spent with Rayford.	During Rayford's farewell speech, he was introducing his family but forgot to mention his daughter. At 68 years-old, I guess this is okay.
Trent Thrasher prepares to cut Rayford's "fish" cake.	Kelley family left to right: Michaela, Jean, Michael, Samuel, Rayford, Stephen & Susanna Johnson, Kelly & Matthew. (Michael's wife Kay, not shown)