Members of City Council held a celebration for councilman Ron Washington Thursday night, as he will retire at the end of August.

Washington has served on the council since 1998. NewsRadioWGNS' Jackson Jones caught up with him on final thoughts...

Washington had this to say about his experiences...

Washington has lived in Murfreesboro his entire life. He attended Murfreesboro's Bradley Elementary, Bellwood Elementary and Bradley Middle, and Rutherford County's Oakland High, graduating in 1976; earned bachelor's degree in 1981 from Middle Tennessee State University in Murfreesboro as a mass communication major with minors in public relations and history.

He has served with Murfreesboro government since 1993 when he was an appointed member of the Planning Commission; became as chairman in 1995 of the committee that planned for the renovation and expansion of Patterson Park Community Center; has been on many other committees, such as one that planned for improvements of Maney Avenue and the old Bottoms neighborhood; and a member of Olive Branch Church in Murfreesboro.

In 2015, Washington retired as executive from Middle Tennessee Electric Membership Corporation.

Many members of council offered heartfelt words to Washington including Mayor McFarland who gave him the key to the city, as well as a proclamation award.

Washington ended with a speech telling council and the city he will continue to stay involved, and for everyone to, "Have a good day!"