Dan Wade is retiring as Hamilton County public works administrator after 27 and a half years in the post.
"I intended to work until I died, but I developed neuropathy in 2008 and it has gotten progressively worse," he said.
Mr. Wade, 77, was county judge and then county executive for Rhea County before he was appointed by former County Executive Dalton Roberts.
He is originally from Chattanooga, the son of city police officer and detective L.G. Wade and Blanche Friederichsen Wade.
He said the Friederichsen is Swedish - "at least I had an uncle they called 'Swede'."
Mr. Wade attended Central High School, where he played football, basketball and baseball. He was All-City in all three sports.
County Mayor Jim Coppinger praised Mr. Wade for his "vast experience and knowledge. He will be sorely missed."
He added, "I am proud that he will have the opportunity to retire and live comfortably, but we will have a void to fill."
County Mayor Coppinger noted that not only will he have to find a new public works administrator, but he also will need to find someone to represent the county as a lobbyist in Nashville as Mr. Wade has done for a number of years.
He said he has begun interviews for both posts.
County Mayor Coppinger said the county lobbyist will be from outside county government.
Mr. Wade was paid $117,357.