Longtime WYFF (Greenville, South Carolina) Assistant News Director Lee Brown has announced he will retire in January, 44 years to the day after he was hired.

Brown began his career at WYFF 4 in January 1976 as a Reporter.

During his tenure, he also served as an Assignment Editor and Managing Editor. Brown is the second longest tenured news employee at WYFF 4 and the only person to hold the Assistant News Director title in the station’s history.

“In all my years I’ve never experienced someone who embodies the brand of a station like Lee does,” said WYFF News Director Bruce Barkley. “It is amazing to work with such a dedicated reporter, writer, producer and manager, who has mentored countless young journalists. Lee is a friend to so many, and he will be missed in our newsroom.”

“I consider it both a privilege and a blessing to be able to spend my entire television career at a station that has given me the opportunities and support I have received here,” Brown said. “WYFF 4 and Hearst Television are among the best in this business, and to be a part of this special family has been a true honor.”

H/T WYFF