Conway Corp Senior Lineman Terry Stewart is retiring this month after 29 years of dedicated service to Conway Corp and the Conway community.
Terry began his career with Conway Corp in January 1997 as a groundman. Over the years, he advanced through the apprenticeship program before becoming a journeyman lineman in 2007. He was promoted to his current role in October 2019. Throughout his career, he helped maintain Conway’s electric system by connecting new homes and businesses, assisting electricians with service installations, completing service upgrades and responding to countless trouble calls.
“No two days were ever the same,” Terry said. “Every day brought something different, and that’s one of the things I enjoyed most about the job.”
One of the most memorable moments of his career came during the devastating ice storm of 2000, when electric crews worked around the clock for days restoring power across Conway.
“That was the toughest storm I’ve ever worked,” Terry said. “We worked day and night for several days straight. It was exhausting, but everyone pulled together with one goal in mind—getting the lights back on for our customers.”
Conway Corp Electric Distribution System Senior Foreman Scott Ussery said Terry’s dedication and steady leadership have made a lasting impact on the department.
“Terry has always been someone our crew could count on,” Conway Corp Electric Distribution System Senior Foreman Scott Ussery said. “His work ethic, knowledge and willingness to help others have made him an outstanding lineman and mentor. We appreciate his years of service and wish him nothing but the best in retirement.”
While Terry is proud of the work he accomplished during his career, he said the people are what he will miss the most.
“It was kind of like being on a football team,” he said. “You spend every day with your crew and they become like family. I’ll miss the guys more than anything.”
One co-worker who made his final years especially memorable was Underground Service Technician 2 Huey King.
“Huey is like a little brother to me,” Terry said. “We’ve worked together for about the last five years and he’s made coming to work a lot of fun. I’ll definitely miss him.”
As he begins retirement, Terry is looking forward to spending more time with Paula, his wife of almost 39 years. Together, they enjoy spending time with their son, daughter-in-law, two granddaughters and a third grandchild on the way. He also plans to continue enjoying his favorite hobbies, including fishing, hunting and coaching travel baseball, something he has done for more than 20 years.
When asked what advice he would offer the next generation of linemen, he emphasized the importance of taking safety seriously.
“Soak up everything you can during your training and never lose your focus,” Terry said. “This job is dangerous, and it only takes one mistake. Pay attention to the people training you, keep your head on a swivel and always do the job the right way.”
He also encouraged young employees to plan for the future.
“Start investing in your retirement as early as you can,” Terry said. “One day you’ll be where I am and if you prepare now, you’ll be able to enjoy retirement without having to worry.”
Congratulations, Terry!
