Distinguished Civilian Employee Recognition Award recipients honored

RIDGETOP, Tenn. (June 15, 2016) – Two retirees received the Distinguished Civilian Employees Award today from the commander of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Nashville District during Engineering Day Picnic festivities at Smiley Hollow June 10, 2016.

Lt. Col. Stephen Murphy, Nashville District commander, recognized Johnny E. Wilmore Jr., former Construction Branch chief, and Jim Davis, former project manager for the Tennessee River Area, for their distinguished service during lengthy careers with the Corps of Engineers.

Murphy first honored Davis, who retired in January 2014 after 46 years of federal service.

“Relationships determine results, meaning how effectively you build relationships with other people determines how successful you are,” Murphy said.  “I would say that defines Jim and the great relationships he built with TVA (Tennessee Valley Authority) and all the folks on the river in 46 years.”

Davis began his career in the Operations Division in 1968 as a laborer at Wheeler Lock on the Tennessee River in Rogersville, Ala., following service in the U.S. Army, which included a combat tour in Vietnam.  In 1970 he completed the Lock and Dam Operator Training Program and became a lock operator at Barkley Lock on the Cumberland River.  He received a promotion as lockmaster at Wilson Lock on the Tennessee River in Florence, Ala., in 1978, a position he held for 10 years.  He then became Tennessee River Area operations manager, overseeing Corps projects along 700 river miles.

Murphy said it is difficult to cherry pick from the accomplishments over a long career, but noted that Davis is credited for his heavy engagement in the transition of the Tennessee River’ locks from hard wire to programmable logic computers, a move that transformed these projects to more reliable state-of-the-art operations and significantly reduced the number of unscheduled outages resulting from lightning strikes and other anomalies.  He also developed innovations related to navigation that have since been incorporated into the management of other locks and waterways across the country, Murphy added.

“On behalf of the Nashville District I really want to thank you so much for all you have done… and your legacy here really lives on,” Murphy said.

Davis said he had the good fortune during his career to work for great supervisors who allowed him to do his job and would support him.  He also lauded the employees on the Tennessee River who did stellar work maintaining and operating the projects.

“This is a very humbling experience being able to accept this award,” Davis said.  “I am truly honored.”

The commander then honored Wilmore, who retired in November 2013 after 40 years of federal service.

“Just amazing work as well,” Murphy said.  “Thank you on behalf of the district for all you have done.”

Wilmore began his career in 1973 as an engineer performing contract administration duties on the $15 million construction project for the Cordell Hull Dam Power Plant on the Cumberland River.  From July 1977 to December 2000 he continued to support field elements and significant construction projects such as the $250 million Tennessee Tombigbee Waterway Divide Section construction project, the largest Corps of Engineers civil works project at the time.  He also supported the $100 million Wolf Creek Dam Foundation Seepage Cutoff Diaphragm Wall, $85 million Big South National River and Recreation Area Development, and $100 million Upper Cumberland Section 202 Flood Protection Project in southeastern Kentucky.

In March 2007 Wilmore became chief of the Construction Branch where he managed a team instrumental in completing some of the most challenging work the Nashville District has ever performed, including the $594 million Wolf Creek Dam Foundation Seepage Remediation Safety Project, and the $364 million Center Hill Dam Foundation Seepage Remediation Dam Safety Project.

Murphy lauded Wilmore for his accomplishments with these projects, adding the he is known and respected for his caring leadership and exceptional management skills, and selfless service to the Corps of Engineers.

“The exceptional management skills were evident with the many large construction projects that cost hundreds of millions of dollars,” Murphy said. “It was extremely impressive.”

Wilmore said he too is humbled by this honor and said he always tried to do more good than harm throughout his work experience.

“I’m proud to say I had a great career.  I think God was with me in my life and directed me to the Corps of Engineers,” Wilmore said.  “I really enjoyed working on projects that would help people in Southeast Kentucky with homes in flood plains and VA (Veterans Administration) projects.”

Wilmore and Davis represent 86 years of combined federal service and will now have their names added to the Distinguished Civilian Wall of Honor located at the Nashville District Headquarters in the Estes Kefauver Federal Building in Nashville, Tenn.