‘We just love him’: Beloved school custodian gets special retirement sendoff after 45 years

ALLEGHANY COUNTY, Va. (WDBJ/Gray News) - A longtime school custodian in Virginia is retiring after 45 years of service.

Gary Wayne Twitty has been a custodian at Covington High and Middle schools for decades.

This week, the school gave him a special sendoff to mark his retirement, one he said he will not soon forget.

“It’s amazing, truly amazing. I didn’t know this was going to happen,” Twitty said.

Dozens of students and staff came together to honor the man who’s been a daily constant in their lives. Cheers shook the auditorium at Covington Middle School and students shouted his name.

“I love my job, I love it. And I love being around the kids. There are good teachers here. That’s what kept me going,” he said.

Forty-five years ago, Twitty said he didn’t plan on being a custodian. When he was first offered the job, he said no, but his mentor encouraged him, and the rest is history.

Twitty has been the first face many have seen when they come into school in the morning, arriving before anyone else. School staff said he’s the heart of the school.

“My favorite part about Gary Wayne is that he listens, he tries to help solve any problems that he can, and takes pride in what he does,” said Kara Boone, a language arts teacher at Covington Middle School.

“He’s one of the kindest gentlemen you’ll ever meet, and we just love him,” Heather Eggleston, a math teacher at Covington Middle School, added.

Twitty went to school at Covington High School and first started his job as a custodian working overnight.

In 45 years, he has only called out sick twice and is known for his hardworking spirit and dedication.

“Another piece of Gary Wayne is not only his involvement in the school, but even outside of school. He’s such an asset in the community. I don’t know many people who would see him in the community and not know who he was,” Luke Bradley, a history teacher at Covington Middle School, said.

Students and faculty said Twitty didn’t just clean the halls, he filled them with love, hope and high fives.

“I just love my job. I’m gonna miss it, but I’ll be back,” Twitty shared.

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