Tim Runnels current charge brings him to Natchez, and he wouldn’t have it any other way.

A Natchez native, Runnels is returning as Entergy’s customer service manager for Adams, Franklin, Jefferson and Wilkinson counties.

“I’m basically here as the point person,” Runnels said.

Runnels said his job includes helping community leaders get what they need, helping customers who have questions with their bills and working with the hospitals and other local businesses.

“For instance, I’m working with the new casino,” Runnels said. “I’m working to provide the services they need to locate here.”

Runnels said he is looking forward to working with the local Entergy team.

“The people here do a good job,” he said. “Entergy trains people well, so you don’t often come across someone you can’t work with.

“I just want to make sure we continue to work as a team.”

“Entergy has been a good company to work for,” Runnels said. “They provide us with great training, and their safety program is second to none.”

Runnels started his work in engineering in the McComb office, but after two years he switched over to sales.

“I just like dealing with the public better,” Runnels said. “I like working not only with the larger accounts but also with the customers.”

He has been in Texas for the past 15 years, and he said he was excited to return to Natchez because the city will always have a place in his heart.

“When you grow up in a place, it will always be special to you,” Runnels said. “It is nice to be back.

“I was born here in 1959 and grew up on a farm off (U.S.) 84.”

Coming from Houston, Runnels said he would enjoy Natchez’s slower pace.

“It is very busy there, and the traffic is bad,” Runnels said. “I like the outdoors, and I’ll enjoy being able to hunt and fish.

“I like the slower pace; you get to enjoy things more.”

Runnels said he also appreciates being around people with whom he grew up.

“I’m going to First Baptist Church, and they serve dinner before the Wednesday night services,” Runnels said. “I almost didn’t get a chance to eat dinner because I kept running into people I knew.”

Runnels graduated from Adams County Christian School 1977, and now two of his three children attend the school.

“My children are going to AC, just like me,” Runnels said. “They were really excited about their new experience.”

Runnels’ son Chris, 16, will be playing for the baseball team, his oldest daughter Brooke, 13, is playing softball. Carsen, 3, is his youngest daughter.

His wife, Amber, who is still in Texas, got a job at Natchez Regional Medical Center as a registered nurse and will be moving to Natchez soon.

Runnels has working with Entergy for 22 years.

Runnels graduated from Copiah-Lincoln Community College — Natchez Campus and the University of Southern Mississippi 1986.