A local corrections employee has retired after more than three decades of service.

Captain Jackie L. Williams has retired after 32 years of service with the North Carolina Department of Corrections, Scotland Correctional Institution announced Monday.

Williams, a native of Laurinburg, began his career with the Department Nov. 22, 1977 after a four year enlistment in the United States Navy and three years in Scotland County Industry.

Williams began his career at Scotland Correction Institution in Wagram under a federal funded program Continuing Education Training Act and gained permanent status. Williams worked at Wagram for 17 years and was promoted to sergeant in 1990 by Superintendent R.D. Trask. While at the Wagram prison, he worked as an officer, transportation officer, road squad officer, lead correctional officer and sergeant.

In October 1995, Williams was promoted to lieutenant by Supt. Cordelia Clark and transferred to Hoke Correctional Institution where he worked until December, 2001. While at Hoke, he served as a uniform lieutenant of the South Central unit and unit manager for the North Unit.

In December 2001, Williams was promoted to his current rank and transferred to the new Scotland Correctional Institution by Administrator Don Wood, where he finished his career. He was shift commander for shift 2B and later Shift 1A.

Williams is the son of the late Neal & Elise Williams. He is married to Betty Bennett Williams and they have two children, Pamela and Adrian.

He has degrees in Criminal Justice and Business Administration from Richmond Community College. He is a member of Zion – Campbell AME Church in Laurinburg where he serves as steward, trustee and Sunday school superintendent. He is a past member of the Four County Board of Directors and past master of Mt. Scottish Masonic Lodge #188 in Laurinburg.