NATCHEZ — Adams County Circuit Clerk Eddie Walker said Thursday morning that he will not run for re-election.

“I decided that it’s time,” Walker said in his office. “I still have my health, and I intend to go out and do some traveling.”

“My mother has been all over the world. I want to follow in her footsteps. I want to go to places she has been and places she hasn’t,” Walker said.

Walker will finish his third term in office at the end of 2019 and then make way for a new circuit clerk on Jan. 1, 2020.

“I turned 66 last Monday and will be 67 next December,” Walker said. “It is time.”

The qualifying period for county offices starts Jan. 2 and ends at 5 p.m. on March 1. The 2019 primary is Aug. 6 and the general election is Nov. 5.

Walker was sworn in as the interim Adams County Circuit Clerk on Nov. 12, 2007 after former circuit clerk Binky Vines was removed from office.

In 2007, Vines was put on probation after pleading guilty to embezzlement. After failing to comply with the state auditor, Vines was removed from office.

Walker, who had already won the election in August 2007, was sworn in two months early as a result of Vines’ removal.

Prior to being circuit clerk, Walker served 28 years in the district attorney’s office sas an investigator.

“Before that I was the deputy sheriff in Franklin County,” Walker said.

Walker said his years as circuit clerk have been the most rewarding.

“It is the crowning point of my career,” Walker said. “When we went to clerk’s school they said this would be the hardest job we would ever love. I agree with that.”

Walker said he is proud of his time in office.

“I would not trade these three terms for anything,” Walker said. “I have had the pleasure to work with a lot of wonderful people.”

Most importantly, Walker said he has had the opportunity to work with many great people.

“I have a great staff and I have been able to work for some great judges in the courtroom,” Walker said. “I have worked for some of the finest people on the planet, right here in Adams County.”