Oak Ridge Cemetery Director Greg Talley to Retire Sept. 12; Council to Consider New Appointment

Greg Talley, director of Oak Ridge Cemetery, told the Springfield City Council on Aug. 19 that he will retire from his position effective Friday, Sept. 12. Talley, who said he has led the cemetery for two years, thanked the council and the mayor for the appointment and told council members he had spent time with the person on the ordinance on first reading and considered that person "a very qualified individual." He said cemetery office staff and the grounds crew will continue to keep Oak Ridge Cemetery "in pristine condition." The announcement followed a statement from the mayor that an ordinance to appoint a new Oak Ridge Cemetery director had been read into the record earlier and would be discussed at the Committee of the Whole meeting next week. The ordinance is currently on first reading; council did not take a final vote on the appointment during the Aug. 19 meeting. Talley described Oak Ridge Cemetery as "an institution" that supports community needs and tourism. He declined an offer for a farewell party and said he preferred a low-key departure. The council afforded Talley time at the podium for remarks and several council members offered brief congratulations. No formal action to confirm a successor was recorded at this meeting; the mayor said Talley would spend a handful of days with the incoming director to help with the transition. Council members and staff did not provide further details in the meeting about the incoming director's name, start date, or the text of the appointment ordinance beyond confirming it was on first reading and would be discussed next week. The appointment will not be final until the council considers the ordinance at a subsequent meeting and records a final vote.