Lloyd Goble celebrates 55 years of service (the new record) with Southern Maryland Electric Cooperative. (Submitted photo)
HUGHESVILLE, Md. (August 22, 2011)—Southern Maryland Electric Cooperative (SMECO) employee Lloyd Goble recently celebrated his 55th year of service with the Co-op. The previous record-holder, Ted Pilkerton, worked at SMECO from 1940 until 1995, but retired nine days after his 55th anniversary. Like Pilkerton, Goble works in SMECO's meter department.
Goble was hired on August 2, 1956, as a tree trimmer in SMECO's St. Mary's region. He later worked on line construction. "Many people didn't have electric service. We would go out in the morning to a home and leave them with electricity in the evening. Our crew would complete the connection job from start to finish, including running and energizing the line and setting the meter," Goble said. Goble moved into meter testing in 1963 and has been a meter foreman since 1982.
Goble's first experience with electric utilities was in his native Kentucky. He assisted his great-uncle in persuading the local electric company to extend service to his community, along with encouraging local residents to sign-up for service. "That was a valuable experience," he said. Goble served in the U.S. Navy from 1943 to 1948. He helped train pilots to land on aircraft carriers and saw duty at sea.
After returning to civilian life, he worked in coal mines in Kentucky and West Virginia. Goble said, "One day the mine blew up shortly before my shift, and when I got to the mine, everyone was all gathered around instead of working. After the explosion, the company lost all its orders. When the mine re-opened, I worked just two to three days a week. I knew I had to find other work." Goble moved to Southern Maryland in 1952 and held jobs at local businesses, including Leroy McNay's Motor Company and Morgan's Department Store in Leonardtown.
Several of Goble's friends who were serving at the Navy's torpedo testing station in Piney Point suggested that he find employment at the Patuxent River Naval Air Station. Goble felt that working for the electric co-op would offer more stability. With 55 years of service to his credit, Goble said, "I am thankful I can continue to work and have good health. I am also thankful for the people who have helped me along the way." Goble's family includes one child, two grandchildren, seven great-grandchildren, and four great-great-grandchildren.