Office of Sen. Tillis honors outgoing mayor

Dec. 20—HENDERSON — Trey Lewis, a former mayor turned regional representative for Sen. Thom Tillis, presented former Henderson mayor Eddie Ellington with a few gifts on Tuesday in commemoration of his two terms in office.

Lewis read a letter on behalf of Tillis.

"I am incredibly grateful for the exceptional service you have consistently provided to the citizens of Henderson," Lewis read aloud. "Your career exemplifies the highest standard of excellence, and I thank you for your dedication."

Lewis presented Ellington with the letter. A U.S. flag had also over United States Capitol Building in his honor, which Lewis then gifted to Ellington alongside a certificate proving that it wasn't a flag Lewis "picked up at Walgreens," he joked.

The two former mayors folded up the flag into the ceremonial triangle shape reminiscent of the tricorn hats American revolutionaries famously wore.

"Not all people get that," said Commissioner Tommy Hester. He hosted the affair at his office on South Beckford Drive. "You did a great job as mayor. We're just fortunate to have had you for the last eight years."

Ellington thanked the both of them.

"I'm still going to be here and doing all that I can," he said. "You don't stop loving Henderson overnight."

Lewis and Ellington are friendly with each other, having both taken training classes for their respective positions at the same time. Lewis was elected mayor of Macclesfield when he was 23, making him one of the youngest mayors in state history.

While serving as mayor he was a veterinary technician — but a longtime interest in politics pushed him to leave both jobs five and a half years ago to work for Tillis' office.