SILSBEE — Mayor Herbert Muckleroy made the announcement at city council Monday that after 12 years as mayor it was time for him to retire. Before serving as mayor, Muckleroy spent 6 years on city council, and 37 years in education.
Muckleroy first arrived in Hardin County in 1956. He started out as a teacher and coach in Kountze before moving onto Nederland for a year.
In 1963, Muckleroy moved to Silsbee where he was a coach and teacher for six years. He then moved over to the elementary school where he began his reign as principal. He served nine years as principal at the elementary school, three years at the junior high, and six years at the high school.
Muckleroy then became superintendent for 13 years. Overall he spent 37 years in the classroom.
It wasn't until Muckleroy had his own problem he brought before the city council that he decided he should run. He said he didn't feel that he was well received or heard by the council. He came home that night and told his wife he was going to run.
That's when he earned his seat on the council, where he served for 6 years before becoming mayor. Now, at 87-years-old, Muckleroy decided it's time to retire.
"It's just a merry go round, you ride it until you get kicked off of it, and that's the way it is," said Muckleroy.
He went on to explain that he still plans to be involved, but it's time for the next generation to take over.
"It's going to be their world and they're going to have to live in it," said Muckleroy.
While he couldn't always please everyone, Muckleroy said he always made sure everyone was heard.
"As long as I've been here i know that this door is open and anybody that wanted to come in and discuss or have a problem they can come here," said Muckleroy.
Councilman Thomas Tyler serves alongside Mayor Muckleroy, but their history began 45-years-ago. Muckleroy was Tyler's principal at O'Neal elementary school, and moved up with Tyler's grade level every school level along the way.
"It's going to take this whole council being unified to make up for what this one man was doing by himself," said Tyler.
He went on to explain that whoever came next would have very big shoes to fill, and that he will be greatly missed.
Even though he'll no longer be serving as mayor, Muckleroy said he will always be a part of the community.
"I have spent the biggest part of my life right here, and this is where I want to be," said Muckleroy.
The council is throwing Muckleroy a retirement party on August 8th. It will be held at the Silsbee community center from 3 p.m.- 6:30 p.m.. Muckleroy's official last day will be August 12th. At that time Mayor Pro Tem Jim Willis will step in.