Director reaches 40 year service milestone

        In July, GreyStone director Burnell Redding marked his 40th year working on behalf of GreyStone members. Lured by his friend and past Board member Fred Boatwright’s interesting stories about working as a GreyStone director, Burnell became intrigued by the position. When Fred passed away, Burnell decided to follow in his longtime mentor’s footsteps and was elected for one year to finish out the term, then was reelected for the next three-year period.

       Since 1969, Burnell has helped move the Cooperative forward, representing members through meeting their energy needs and addressing challenges faced by the electric industry. Over the years, Burnell has had the opportunity to work with several GreyStone Presidents/CEOs. “I have enjoyed working with all GreyStone’s presidents through the years, from Charles Overman (when GreyStone was still Douglas County EMC) to Gary Miller today,” says Burnell. “Gary’s really got the Co-op and its members at heart.”

       During his tenure, Burnell served as President of the Board from 1981 until 1985 and also worked many years as Secretary-Treasurer. Burnell takes pride in helping those in need and is focused on ways to better serve members. “The thing I’ve enjoyed most about serving on the Board is being able to make a difference. I’ve always worked to keep rates affordable for our members and to make sure employees are recognized for their dedication and hard work,” he says. “It’s been a pleasure to serve.”

       Getting to know and building relationships with employees has meant the most to Burnell. One of his annual highlights is the GreyStone Fish Fry hosted and funded personally by directors in appreciation of employees. “Having the fish dinner for the employees has been a treat,” he says.

       “Burnell has been an extremely valuable member of the GreyStone Board with decades of experience and knowledge of the Cooperative,” says GreyStone President/CEO Gary Miller. “He has definitely played an important role in making GreyStone the successful cooperative it is today.”

       Burnell is a deacon of the First Baptist Church of Villa Rica, a land developer and, along with his wife, Betty, past owner of the Rock Inn Café in Winston for 30 years. They are the parents of three children and grandparents of five. The Reddings reside near Villa Rica in Carroll County. During his leisure time, Burnell has enjoyed some very adventurous hunting excursions. He’s hunted out West for 20 years and has been to Africa to hunt in Zimbabwe. Burnell represents District 4 GreyStone members residing in Carroll and Douglas counties.