The Dallas County Commission presented Dallas County Probate Judge Kim Ballard with two presentations at its meeting on Monday.

The County Commissioners- Valerie Reubin, Curtis Williams, Roy Moore and Larry Nickles- gave Ballard a proclamation and a plaque for his 12 years as the probate judge. It’s the final commission meeting for Ballard, who retires at the end of the month.

Ballard said he will always treasure the friendships with the Commissioners and the other county employees.

“This Commission has been a blessing,” Ballard said. “This is the best commission I’ve served on. It’s been wonderful and a blessing to serve with all of you. I’ll miss the county employees, who are my friends.”

Ballard also credited his wife of 28 years, Karen Ballard, for her love and support. She was present at the commission meeting.

“Not just going through the stroke, I couldn’t have done it without her,” Ballard said. “She’s the light of my life.”

Ballard praised his successor, Dallas County probate judge-elect Jimmy Nunn, who officially will be sworn in on Jan. 12 at Wallace Community College Selma at 3 p.m. Ballard was present at the commission meeting.

“Anything I can do to make the transition for Jimmy, I will,” Ballard said.  “Jimmy will have a transition, but he’s a quick learner.”

All of the commissioners said they would support Nunn.

The county commission presented plaques to three retiring county officers: Dallas County Sherriff Harris Huffman Jr., DCSO Deputy Jimmy Sturdivant and Dallas County Jail Warden David Brown. Huffman will be replaced by DCSO Sherriff-elect Mike Granthum next month.

“We appreciated all of you for your service to the county,” Ballard said.

The commission voted for employees to have Dec. 24-Dec. 26 off for Christmas and Dec. 31-Jan. 2 for New Year’s.