GRAINGER COUNTY, Tenn (WVLT) -- Teaching has been more than a job for Ronnie Cabbage.

"I love kids to start with, and i really i started out wanting to make a difference and I've continued that," according to Cabbage.

He's retiring after 47 years in 3 different schools!

He says, "I still love the kids and all but it's not been as fun anymore. I always said I would retire when it's not fun anymore."

And he won't be alone. Ronnie's wife, Anna Jean is retiring as well. Also, from Grainger County Schools.

Anna Jean says, "I''m anxious in one way but sad it's like a graduation it's a beginning and an ending. Or an ending an a beginning, anyway you want to look at it."

The couple graduated from UT together, then worked at the same school for several years.

But what happened in school stayed in school.

Ronnie says, "Sometimes she would ask questions, and I would tell her I lived it all day, I don't want to talk about it all night."

She adds, "Which is good. But I'm a talker, and I like to talk about everything all the time."

And talk about a family affair. They have nine grand kids, most in the Grainger County school system.

And even though retirement is something Ronnie talked about for years.

"But another year has been five years. I am ready to go to the house."

But the Cabbages won't be bored, especially with their nine grand kids and their activities. They play golf and basketball for school.