By Betsy Finklea
Retiring City Manager Glen Wagner was honored on Monday, March 3, with a retirement celebration at the City of Dillon Wellness Center.
The location was appropriate as the Wellness Center was part of Wagner’s vision for Dillon that he had when he started as recreation director in 1992. The gym was decorated with balloons in Gamecock colors, the colors of Wagner’s favorite college team; a sign that read “The G.O.A.T. has retired,” and Happy Retirement confetti with Wagner’s picture in a party hat.
The invocation was given by City of Dillon Police officer Ricky Day. He said that Glen was not only a boss but a friend as well.
Incoming City Manager Burt Rogers said Wagner worked 33 years total for the City of Dillon, 29 years of which was as city manager. He called it a “bittersweet day” and that Wagner was a great boss and friend and would be missed.
The crowd was invited to give remarks. Glen’s mother said she wanted to thank everyone for being “so good to my baby.” She said she hated to see him leave, but noted that he would be coming to stay with her some. She said it was a “great experience for Dillon.”
Tina Scott, Wagner’s administrative assistant, said she had worked for Wagner for six years and he was the “best boss” that she had ever had. She said he would always hold a special place in her heart. She presented Wagner with a gift.
Shawn Sawyer, a city employee, also presented Wagner with a gift. She said she loved him and his family and thanked them for sharing Wagner with them.
Rep. Jackie Hayes presented Wagner with a plaque thanking him for his city service. It reads as follows:
House of Representatives
On a Motion of Representative Jackie E. “Coach’ Hayes
Members of the House Of Representatives
Recognize
Glen Wagner
We honor Dillon City Manager Glen Wagner on his retirement after 29 years of exemplary service to the citizens of Dillon. His remarkable tenure as City Manager shaped the city’s success and growth through the years. With dedicated employees to share in his vision of what could be, Glen Wagner has left big shoes to fill. As he embarks on his well-earned retirement, he has left a legacy of service, hard work, determination, and leadership. The citizens of Dillon are extremely grateful to have benefited by his commitment to the city they all love. We join his many friends, family members, city leaders, and professionals, in wishing him great happiness and good health in his retirement with much fulfillment as he enjoys more time with his wife, children, and grandchildren and extend our unwavering appreciation for his years of professional, dedicated service to the citizens of Dillon that enabled the success of our great state.
Given this 26th day of February 2025
State House, Columbia, South Carolina
Charles F. Reid, Clerk of the House
G. Murrell Smith, Jr., Speaker of the House of Representatives
Hayes said Wagner was much like him in that he liked to get things done and stay in the background. He said Wagner was a great asset to the City of Dillon. Hayes said Wagner had made a significant difference in the community.
Others also spoke about Wagner and his impact on recreation and Dixie Youth Baseball.
Dan E. Lockemy, radio personality, made a presentation of several caps to Wagner featuring different bands who had entertained at city events.
Downtown Coordinator Lisa Moody presented Wagner with a picture they had designed by artist Jason Best that portrayed the things he accomplished. There was a space around the picture for the city employees to sign.
Mayor Tally McColl said that Wagner was the “pillar we all lean on” and a genuinely good person.
A letter was read from former mayor Salley Huggins McIntyre. They said former Todd Davis, who was also unable to attend, sent his regards.
City Councilman Johnny Eller said that the last 16 years he had worked with Wagner had been a “joy,” even though they had their ups and downs.
Burt Rogers said that family is what it is all about and “that’s what Glen has been to us.”
Glen Wagner gave a touching speech where he thanked many people including his family, his employees and department heads calling many by name, Johnnie Daniels and Betsy Finklea, Dan E. Lockemy, and others for their support over the years.
Wagner said when people talk about all the things that were done by Glen Wagner, it has been by those who worked with him. “It wasn’t about Glen Wagner,” he said. HE said it was about “you guys” referring to those in the room. He said when asked about what the city could do for his retirement, he said they could feed the city employees because they liked to eat. Wagner said that he wanted to build something that his children could see and be proud of him.
After Wagner’s remarks, lunch was held. During the lunch, Wagner cut a special retirement cake and another picture was presented that will be hung in the Wellness Center, which portrays the Wellness Center, Glen Wagner, and says “Thank you, Glen” on the sign.
Mayor Tally McColl read this letter:
On behalf of the Citizens of the City of Dillon, I would like to extend our deepest gratitude to Glen Wagner for his 33 years of outstanding service. For the past 29 years, Glen has led our city as City Manager, demonstrating unwavering dedication, exceptional leadership, and a steadfast commitment to the prosperity of Dillon and its surrounding communities.
Throughout his career, Glen has earned the respect of our citizens, city council, and city employees. His leadership has been instrumental in shaping Dillon’s success, and his legacy will endure for generations. As he embarks on retirement, he leaves behind not only a record of remarkable achievements but also a foundation of dedicated employees who will carry forward his vision. Glen has been a leader, mentor, colleague, and friend to so many in our community.
When Glen assumed the role of City Manager, he faced numerous challenges. Through his resilience and determination, he navigated every obstacle, ensuring that Dillon and its citizens would not only endure but thrive. Under his leadership, the city became financially stable and secure, setting the stage for long-term growth and success.
Among his many accomplishments, Glen’s impact on our recreation programs stands out. Thanks to his leadership, Dillon boasts a thriving recreation program and state-of-the-art facilities, including our Wellness Center, Sports Complex, the Vivian Johnson Municipal Golf Course and five city parks. His vision and dedication to investing in our youth have enriched the lives of countless families.
Infrastructure improvement has been another cornerstone of Glen’s tenure. Under his guidance, all our pumping stations were renovated, substantial upgrades were made to our wastewater facility, and our sewage and water systems were modernized. His ability to collaborate with state and federal leaders has secured millions of dollars in investments for Dillon’s future. Glen has also been a driving force behind new business development, downtown revitalization, and city beautification efforts, leaving an indelible mark on our community.
Perhaps Glen’s greatest legacy, however, is the team of employees he has mentored and trained. He has built a strong workforce, knowing each employee and their families personally. These men and women share his passion for Dillon’s success and will continue his work with the same dedication and commitment.
We also want to extend our heartfelt appreciation to Glen’s family for sharing him with us for the past 33 years. As City Manager, he was always on call, ready to serve whenever the citizens of Dillon needed him. Now, as he begins this new chapter, we wish him a well-earned retirement filled with joy, relaxation, and time with his loved ones.
After the reading of the letter, those in attendance finished lunch and gave their well-wishes to Wagner.
PHOTO GALLERY
Photos by Johnnie Daniels/The Dillon County News, LLC
