Mathews County lost a true public servant this week with the passing of E. Eugene Callis III.

For more than four decades, Callis ran the Mathews Circuit Court office, tending to countless people who walked through its doors, handling everything from marriage licenses and deeds to criminal matters. And he handled it all with a quiet grace.

“Mr. Callis has exemplified a devotion to public service and to the integrity of his office,” the Mathews County Board of Supervisors said in a 2012 proclamation upon the occasion of his retirement. “Mr. Callis has been a friend of the people of Mathews County.”

We couldn’t put it any better. ...