Wayne Horton Retires from General Morgan Inn
After 25-Plus Years of Service at Historic Hotel
GREENEVILLE, Tenn. –A special community reception will be held this Friday from 2-4 p.m. at the General Morgan Inn to honor Wayne Horton, who recently retired after more than 25 years of outstanding service at the historic hotel.
Horton, who has worked at the General Morgan Inn since itsopening in 1996, has won numerous industry awards through the years for his excellent work, including the “Stars of the Industry” award for “Lodging Employee of the Year” from the Tennessee Hospitality & Tourism Association, and the “Presidential Pioneer in Hospitality Award” for “Exemplary Hospitality” from the Greene County Partnership.
Horton, 75, said he actually started working at the hotel two years before it opened. “I helped with masonry work, concrete work, demolition work, I laid bricks, I did a little bit of everything getting the hotel ready to open,” he said.
Once the historic hotel, which dates to 1884, was renovated, Hortonstarted his career as a “houseman,” working in housekeeping but helping anywhere he was needed. A year later, he moved to the maintenance department, where he helped keep equipment in top working order and the hotel looking its best. In 2001, he switched to a new position in Brumley’s Restaurant where he remained till his recent retirement.
“The thing I will miss most about working at this hotel is the people – our guests and our staff,” Horton said. “They’re like family now. We have a lot of repeat guests that I’ve really gotten to know over the years. And, I’ve worked alongside some hotel staff for three generations now – one family in particular, I’ve worked with the mom, the daughter and now the grandchildren.”
During his lengthy career at the hotel, Horton has met celebrities, politicians, and well-traveled guests from around the world — along with those visiting family in the area or vacationing in historic Greeneville. “But I always treated everyone the same,” he said. “That was my motto: everyone is a star here.”
Patricia Bohon, director of sales/marketing, said she joined the hotel staff just a few weeks after Horton. “Wayne is a treasure,” she said. “Everyone knows Wayne, everyone loves Wayne. He always has a smile for everyone. He’s a hard worker too, doing anything he can to help out in any department.He’s one of the best associates I’ve ever worked with. We’re all going to miss him so much.”
Added Scott Niswonger, president and owner of Morgan Inn Corporation: “I have known Wayne Horton for over 25 years. Customers will ask for Wayne by name. It makes people happy, including me, just to talk with Wayne. We wish Wayne well with this new chapter of his life.”
Horton, who was born and raised in Greeneville, said he plans to spend his free time with family and friends. “I’m excited to have more time to enjoy them,” he said.
The public is invited to attend Horton’sreception in the hotel’s lobby Friday afternoon. “If you know Wayne, and many people do,please pop over to say hello and wish him well in his retirement,” said David Arts, the hotel’s general manager. “It is well earned.”
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About the General Morgan Inn:
The General Morgan Inn offers 50 beautifully detailed rooms, a presidential suite and executive apartment in historic Downtown Greeneville. The hotel boasts Brumley’s, an award-winning restaurant with three distinct dining rooms, and a lounge featuring a wide selection of quality cocktails and a Wine Spectator and Wine Enthusiasts’ award-winning wine list. The restaurant is currently open for dinner, Tuesday-Saturday, 5-9 p.m. The hotel also has a Grand Ballroom and Garden Terrace, both popular venues for corporate meetings, retreats and weddings.The hotel, constructed in 1884, is listed on the National Register of Historic Places and is a member of the Historic Hotels of America, the official program for the National Trust for Historic Preservation. For more information on the hotel, located at 111 N. Main St., go to www.generalmorganinn.com or call 423-787-1000.
General Morgan Inn | 111 N Main Street, Greeneville, TN 37743 | (423) 787-1000