John Mark Davis has been described by some of those who know him best as a man of few words.

On Monday, Davis found words even harder to come by as the Butler County Commission recognized the Greenville native for nearly 21 years of service as assistant engineer with the county’s Road Department. Davis recently accepted a position with Autauga County as its engineer.

“It’s hard to put into words what I’m feeling,” Davis said. “I’ve really enjoyed working (at the Road Department). The experience of being a part of this community and working somewhere that you grew up was special.”

Butler County Engineer Dennis McCall said Davis has been a “tremendous asset” to the county and will be greatly missed.

“John Mark is a highly competent professional engineer whose talents are widely recognized throughout this state,” said McCall. “This career move will be a big adjustment for both of us. I have mixed feelings, but am excited for John Mark and his family.”

During his tenure with the Butler County Road Department, Davis oversaw the design and construction of more than $20 million of road resurfacing and bridge replacement projects.

On Monday, the commission presented Davis with a plaque and also passed a resolution honoring Davis for his years of service to the county.

“I’m most proud of the fact that John Mark is from Butler County — a local man that has done very well for himself,” said District 3 Commissioner Frank Hickman. “I started following John Mark when he was in high school. He was an outstanding football player and obviously a model citizen. I’ve known his family for a long time. I know he comes from a good family. He’s good people and he’s done an extremely good job for Butler County and the Butler County Commission. He’s been a right-hand man that Dennis could pass off anything to and know that it would be done well, that it would be done timely, that it would be done efficiently and it would be done right. It’s going to be hard to replace that.”

Josh McDougald has been hired to replace Davis as the assistant engineer.

McDougald, a graduate of Auburn University, has worked in the engineering departments for both Chambers and Lee Counties.

“Josh has a lot of county related experience and he’s already very well respected and is coming in with a very good reputation,” McCall said. “I know he will do well.”