Two Smith County commissioners attended Commissioners Court for the last time Tuesday, December 31, as their terms came to an end.

Precinct 3 Commissioner Terry Phillips took office in January 2009 and served for 15 years. Before becoming elected, he worked in the oil business and began acquiring real estate. He currently continues managing properties.

Precinct 3 extends across the entire northern half of Smith County and includes eastern and central Tyler, Lindale, Hideaway, Winona and a portion of Overton.

“We are losing a lot of history when he walks out that door,” Smith County Judge Neal Franklin said of Commissioner Phillips. “I wish you the very best in all your future endeavors, whatever they may be.”

Precinct 1 Commissioner Pam Frederick was sworn in to office in November 2022.

Commissioner Frederick has resided in Bullard with her family for about 30 years. She is a retired Texas teacher with 29 years of experience and served as the mayor of Bullard before becoming Commissioner. She now will go on to serve as Bullard’s city manager.

Precinct 1 covers southwest Tyler, Noonday, Flint/Gresham and Bullard.

“I wish you the very best in your new role as Bullard’s new city manager,” Judge Franklin said. “I know you’ll do great.”

“It’s a privilege to have served in this position,” Commissioner Frederick said. “I appreciate the work this court has done,” she said, adding that she is proud of the work she has been a part of on mental health issues in the community and with the improvements made to the Smith County Jail.

Retired Smith County Sheriff J.B. Smith thanked the commissioners for their service.

“Thank you for the wonderful, positive things this court has done … Commissioners Frederick and Phillips, we appreciate your service so much. We have an outstanding county judge and commissioners court. We thank you commissioners who are retiring today,” he said.

Retired Precinct 1 Commissioner Jeff Warr also thanked them for their service.

“There are so much great things going on in our community,” he said,

“Pam has always served with integrity and class and is always serving her community,” he said.

Warr said he served alongside Commissioner Phillips for years. “I appreciate your service to our community,” he said.

County Clerk Karen Phillips talked about her husband, Commissioner Phillips, and his service to the county.

“Today I want to honor an extraordinary individual who has dedicated his life to serve Smith County,” she said, adding that his service has been marked with prudence and responsibility.