For the past 29 years in Haywood County, the name Lee Starnes has represented State Farm Insurance, but as anyone who knows the man behind the company can attest to, that name has become almost synonymous with idea of community.

Name a nonprofit benefit, community event or local school, and chances are Starnes has been involved with it in some capacity. From funding sports equipment for school teams to sponsoring festivals, Starnes and his State Farm branch has lived up to the company’s motto about being a “good neighbor.”

So it is a bittersweet moment for many when they hear Starnes is retiring at the end of the month.

“The reason is to spend a little time with family and friends,” he said, but added that he won’t be disappearing from the community any time soon.

He said people can ...