LAKELAND, Fla. — Barney Barnett, vice chairman of Publix Super Markets Inc., said he will retire on April 30 after 50 years of service.

Barnett said he will remain on the board of Publix Super Markets Charities. The Publix board of directors has also named him vice chairman emeritus and will recognize him at this year’s annual meeting of stockholders.

“We are grateful for Barney’s 50 years of service to Publix, our associates, our customers and the communities we serve. His commitment to our culture has helped pave the path for our future successes,” said Publix chief executive officer Todd Jones. “It has been an honor and privilege to work alongside him. We will miss him but also wish him well as he starts this next chapter of his life.”

Barnett began his Publix career in 1969 as an internal auditor in Lakeland, Fla. He was promoted to controller in 1977 and vice president of administration in 1986. In 1988, he was promoted to executive vice president, and in 1998, he moved into his current role.