A salute to Billy Joe Driver

A salute to

MAYOR BILLY JOE DRIVER

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his year, 2020, has not been what anyone expected.

When Billy Joe Driver announced he would not be running for re-election for mayor, ideas of how to honor his accomplishments and contribution to Clanton and Chilton County began.

Unfortunately, plans to commemorate his 36 years of service were cut short when Driver tested positive for COVID-19.

Since many could not honor the late mayor the way they would have liked, many of their comments have been collected in this special tribute.

Mayor for 36 Years Councilman for 12 Years County Engineering Department Volunteer Fire Department Thank You Mayor Driver for your many years of Service to Clanton & Chilton County!!!

From all of us at the City of Clanton We Love You and We Miss You!

Clanton City Council: Jeff Price, Sammy Wilson, Awlahjaday Agee, Mary Mell Smith & Mayor Bobby Cook

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TABLE OF CONTENTS BILLY JOE DRIVER DAY

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FOCUSED ON CLANTON

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GOVERNOR STATEMENT

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GENERAL MANAGER Brandy Clackley

PROCLAMATION BILLY DRIVER

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TIMELINE

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EDITORIAL Joyanna Love, managing editor Anthony Richards, writer Elisabeth Altamirano-Smith, freelance writer

MEMORIES FROM COMMUNITY LEADERS

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A TRIBUTE TO BILLY JOE

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A DAY IN THE LIFE

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A MEMORIAM TO BILLY JOE

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PUBLISHER Tim Prince

MARKETING Zack Bates, marketing consultant CUSTOMER SERVICE Kacy Barrett PRESSROOM & MAILROOM Chris Love, production manager Michael Turner, assistant production manager Malinda Nance, mailroom manager

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BILLY JOE DRIVER DAY IS NOV. 16 Story By JOYANNA LOVE

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ov. 16 has been declared Billy Joe Driver Day by the Clanton City Council at the request of Senior Connection.

The date was chosen because it was the mayor’s birthday.

The official declaration of the date in recognition of Driver’s lasting impact on the community was made during the Council meeting on Sept. 14.

Senior Connection executive director Vanessa McKinney said the group is making plans to commemorate the day from 11 a.m. to. 2 p.m. by celebrating his life. This celebration will likely include

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food trucks and entertainment outside of the Senior Connection building. Those interested in being a food vendor or entertainment at the event should contact Senior Connection at 205-755-8227 by Nov. 9.

The members hope to invite the city and county leaders and employees as well as the community to join the day.

Senior Connection was a special place for Driver, and he played a major role in making it what it is today.

If the weather is not favorable for an outdoor event, festivities will be moved inside with social distancing and masks required.

Billy Joe Driver served as mayor of Chilton County for 36 years.

FOCUSED ON CLANTON Billy Joe Driver lived to serve his city STORY BY JOYANNA LOVE

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Mayor Billy Joe Driver enjoyed helping everyone in the community

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lanton lost a beloved leader on July 9, 2020 when long-time Mayor Billy Joe Driver died after being diagnosed with COVID-19.

A life-long resident of Clanton, Driver had dedicated his life to serving the community.

Driver was born on Nov. 16, 1935.

“He actually lived on Eighth Street his whole life,” Kim Driver Hayes, Billy Joe’s daughter, said.

He lived here with his parents at two different addresses, and then he purchased the home he would live in the remainder of his life in 1956.

Billy Joe Driver graduated from Chilton County High School in 1953.

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Don Driver, his brother, said Billy Joe’s first job after graduation was working for the county.

“He worked with the surveying group for just a couple of years, then they put him in the office doing drafting stuff for the new roads and all that,” Don Driver said. “He had an office in the engineering department and that’s what he did until he became mayor.”

He retired in 1983 and was sworn in as the mayor of Clanton in 1984.

However, this was not his first position in Clanton government. He had served on the Clanton City Council from 1972 to 1984.

“We were all just brought up with the city of Clanton,” Don Driver said. “Daddy went to work with them in 1922 when he moved to Clanton … from the river. First member of the Clanton Fire Department in 1922. Bill got on the fire department … as soon as he

graduated high school. My older brother was on it.”

Billy Joe had also completed his EMT training and worked for the ambulance service based at the hospital.

Don said these strong family ties to the city were likely a motivation for Billy Joe to run for public office.

Billy Joe would have likely continued to serve as a part of the Clanton Fire Department, if there was not a conflict of interest when he became mayor.

“It’s a paid volunteer,” Don said. “He couldn’t be mayor and pay his own self.”

The Driver legacy serving the Clanton Fire Department continues. Don’s son David is the current fire chief and was the department’s first full-time firefighter.

”We were all just brought up with the city of Clanton.

Daddy went to work with them in 1922 when he moved to Clanton from the river.” – Don Driver

Prior to becoming mayor of Clanton, Billy Joe Driver worked for the county engineering department. He was presented a certificate of appreciation when he retired. (photo courtesy of Sandra Campbell)

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Being a Driver, however, did not mean special treatment when it came to city matters.

“He wouldn’t do as much for us as he did for other people,” Don Driver said.

Don and Hayes said Billy Joe was against showing favoritism to family.

Mayor Driver had a reputation for answering anytime a Clanton resident called and trying to help them if he could.

This included getting water cut off to a leak for a resident at 3 a.m., Don said.

Speculating on why Billy Joe Driver decided to run for mayor, Hayes said, “I think he just wanted to see the city advance and grow, to be a part of that development.”

Clanton saw many advances during Billy Joe’s tenure, including three fire stations, a new city hall, a Jefferson State Commu-

always be remembered!

We love you!!

Mayor Driver!

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nity College satellite campus, downtown beautification project, establishment of Senior Connection, upgrades to water and sewer services, construction of the iconic peach tower and a state-of-the-art hospital.

“Despite what a lot of folks say, he tried to get places in here, nice eating places,” Driver said.

Hayes said a lot more consideration went into many of his decisions than people realized.

“He was very proud of Senior Connection to be able to give … an outing for the older people,” Hayes said. “After you retire, there just isn’t a whole lot to do, unless you have somebody that you are going places with. A lot of people never had that.”

The City of Jemison honors Mayor Billy Joe Driver.

He was a great friend to all of us.

Billy Joe Driver (center in red) at his retirement party. (photo courtesy of Sandra Campbell)

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“But they that wait upon the LORD shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles” Isaiah 40:31

In remembrance of Mayor Billy Joe Driver and his many contributions to the growth and development of the Chilton County Airport. His legacy will be a constant reminder that by working together with a shared goal and a common purpose, the impossible becomes possible.

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In his final term, Billy Joe was a part of a major investment announcement for the city by the Alabama Farmers Federation to establish the Alabama Farm Center at Alfa Centennial Park.

“Every time it would come time to run again, he would want one more term where he could see something else done,” Don said.

The Alabama Farm Center was a draw for Billy Joe to consider again “just one more,” but he had made the decision not to run again, even before the COVID-19 pandemic reached Chilton County.

“He was a true public servant,” Hayes said. “It became 24 hours of service, and that’s what he did … he lived his life serving this city. The only thing that really came before the city was church.”

Many new projects came to the city of Clanton during Driver’s tenure as mayor

Billy Joe Driver attended Temple Assembly of God. It was very rare that he missed a Sunday.

“He had 26 years … without missing a Sunday, now that’s remarkable,” Don said. “…

Our parents saw, especially our mother, that we went to church.”

This is something Billy Joe continued with his own family, who all still live in Clanton on Eighth and Ninth streets.

Frugality was important to Billy Joe in both his personal life and how he led the city.

“He was not materialistic,” Hayes said. “He saved for the future.”

Don recounted that when the city needed a ladder truck. The $1 million needed could be paid in cash because of how much had been saved and set aside.

“He had the city financially sound at the time of his death,” Hayes said.

He also served as the treasurer at Temple Assembly.

Billy Joe served on the League of Municipalities board as president 1999 -2000. He served on countless boards and received many awards for his service. He was the Chilton County Chamber of Commerce’s Distinguished Citizen of the Year for 2020. He was also a past recipient of the Clanton Evening Lions Club’s Pillar of the Community Award.

Don said Billy Joe was friends with anyone regardless of their socio-economic status.

When not helping those in the community, Billy Joe enjoyed University of Alabama football and cutting grass, Hayes said.

“We spent many a Saturday at Tuscaloosa at football games,” Hayes said.

Don said cutting grass was Billy Joe’s way of just “getting away from everything” and relaxing.

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City of Clanton, Chilton County Alabama

Mayor Proclamation In Celebration of the Life & Legacy of

Mayor Billy Joe Driver WHEREAS, the Community of Chilton County wishes to honor the late Mayor Billy Joe Driver as one of the outstanding Elected Officials within the community; and WHEREAS, Billy Joe Driver was born and raised in Clanton, Alabama.

WHEREAS, Mayor Driver spent most over 36 years serving as the Mayor of Clanton, Alabama. Mayor Driver was elected to serve in this capacity in 1984; and WHEREAS, Mayor Driver has recently been recognized as one of the longest serving Mayors in the State of Alabama as well as for his outstanding service and leadership to faithfully and honestly lead and guide the city of Clanton, Alabama over the past 36 years.

WHEREAS, November 16, 2020 has been set aside as the day to honor Mayor Billy Joe Driver for his many contributions to the City of Clanton and recognize him for his many accomplishments as Mayor; WHEREAS, It is my distinct honor and privilege to make this presentation today.

NOW, THEREFORE I, Jason L. Calhoun, Probate Judge of Chilton County, do hereby proclaim today November 16, 2020 as:

Major Billy Joe Driver Day For the City of Clanton, Chilton County, Alabama Office of the Judge of Probate of Chilton County Honoring the City of Clanton Mayor IN WITNESS THEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand and caused the seal of Chilton County to be affixed.

Jason L. Calhoun, Judge Of Probate Chilton County, Alabama

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TIMELINE

1935

1953

1972

November 16

Joined the Clanton Fire Department

Elected to the Clanton City Council

Born

1953 Graduated from Chilton County High School and got a job in the county engineering department

1956 Purchased his ďŹ rst and only home

1935

1953

1953

1956

1972

1983

1984

1999

2020

2020

1983 Retired from working for the county

1984

2020

Elected to Clanton Mayor

Receives Chamber of Commerce Distinquished Citizen of the Year award.

1999 League of Municipalities board president Lion’s Club award

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2020

July 9 Died

In remembrance of Mayor Billy Joe Driver:

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illy Joe Driver was more than a political ally to me. He was one of my best friends. He helped me more than anyone will ever know.

We usually rode to political rallies and meetings together, or we would meet up when we got there and sit together. He and I would always go to eat whenever we had a meeting.

Most of the time we went to Green’s Restaurant or to Burger King. At Burger King, we would always order the Whopper Junior meal and get 2 for $5. He would give them a hard time if they weren’t on sale, and I would just laugh.

In Memory of Mayor Driver.

He was a great friend.

Our thoughts and prayers are with his family.

205-755-3480 1-800-844-1481

I would often ride around Clanton with him looking at different things that needed repairing.

We would talk about how it could be repaired.

I learned so much from Billy Joe. If I ever had a problem and couldn’t figure it out myself, he would tell me who to contact. He helped the Town of Maplesville save a lot of money by telling me who would do a job the best and cheapest. He was willing to help me in any way he could.

Billy Joe was older than me, but he was one of my best friends. Things won’t be the same without him.

I will never forget Billy Joe Driver!

W. C. Hayes, Jr. Mayor, Town of Maplesville

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I We at Garrison Farm & Home Center honor Mayor Billy Joe Driver.

may not have known Mayor Driver as long as most people in Chilton County, but I did come to know him over these past fours years while serving as the Mayor of Thorsby. Mayor Driver was one of the most knowledgeable, likeable people known in the county, not only as the Mayor of Clanton, but on a personal level too. He was a huge pillar in the community who would help anyone, any way he could. He was always available and willing to help his neighbors in other municipalities. I, along with other mayors and County Commissioners, would attend various meetings with Mayor Driver, several times a week, and he would always find a way to make those meetings more enjoyable.

Mayor Driver helped me more times than most would have throughout the last four years. I respected him and his experience. He was always there to listen and offer his thoughts whenever I needed an experienced opinion. I will miss Mayor Driver. Our county has truly lost a great man and leader.

Robert Hight Mayor, Town of Thorsby

We loved Mayor Driver.

We wish the very best to his family.

Our prayers are with you.

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was elected mayor for the city of Jemison, Alabama in 2004. Upon entering the office of mayor, Mayor Billy Joe Driver was the first elected public official to call and congratulate and offer his assistance whenever I needed it.

I was grateful for an experienced mayor of his status to consider reaching out to me as I entered my first term as mayor. Mayor Driver’s longevity in public life gave me the assurance of knowing I had one of the best resources I could count on in dealing with all the issues of municipal government.

Mayor Driver’s love for public service will always be remembered by all the citizens of our county and especially the citizens of Clanton where he served so faithfully. All of us are grateful to God for the life of such a dedicated public servant!

Eddie Reed Mayor, City of Jemison

The Chilton County Chamber of Commerce honored Mayor Billy Joe Driver for 36 years of service at the 2020 Chamber Banquet. Driver was not going to seek re-election in the 2020 election year.

or many residents of Clanton, Billy Joe Driver was the only mayor of Clanton that many of us had ever known. The tremendous sense of loss in his passing will be felt throughout the City of Clanton, Chilton County and by his many friends and acquaintances across the state of Alabama.

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The accomplishments of his 36 years as mayor are evident throughout the City of Clanton.

Every resident of Clanton and Chilton County takes pride in the Big Peach water tower that serves as a unique, notable and welcoming landmark for hundreds of thousands of travelers each week along Interstate 65. For those who call Clanton home, the Big Peach has served as a beacon for more than three decades to welcome the weary traveler home.

The devotion of Billy Joe Driver to the City of Clanton and its residents spans more than six decades. He was highly respected and admired, not only as a nine-term mayor and member of the City Council, but as a human being. His life, public service and devotion to the city and its people will continue to serve as the model of dedicated public service for those that strive to follow in his footsteps.

We can all be thankful for the efforts of Mayor Driver in helping to establish St. Vincent’s Chilton hospital at a time when the only emergency medical care facility in Chilton County closed and the nearest emergency room was more than 30 minutes away. It is impossible to place a value on the many lives that have been saved by this wonderful and important asset to our community.

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During his tenure in office, Mayor Driver was a significant force in the recruitment and development of Jefferson State Community College and the Clanton Performing Arts Center, testaments of achievement in doing great things.

Perhaps his greatest legacy will be the Alabama Farm Center at Alfa Centennial Park, the most significant economic development project in the history of Clanton and Chilton County. This project and the associated retail development will improve the quality of life for the people of the City of Clanton, Chilton County and Central Alabama for generations to come.

Billy Joe Driver will be remembered for much more than his efforts to build a city that serves the needs of its residents and provides a home for our families. His memory is built on a foundation stronger than bricks and mortar. His

most precious gift to us is a life well lived in the service of those he loved; his family, his friends and the people of Chilton County.

In reflecting on his life, I am reminded of the Bible verse Matthew 23:11; “The greatest among you shall be your servant.� Billy Joe Driver devoted his life to being a servant to others, making him one of the greatest among us. No one who has ever lived in this wonderful community will ever be able to think of the City of Clanton without considering the influence, the sacrifice and the dedication of our Mayor; Billy Joe Driver, a man who gave so much of himself to the people of the City of Clanton and whose name will forever be etched in the history of this city.

Billy Singleton, President Chilton County Chamber of Commerce

In memory of

Mayor Billy Joe Driver In grateful appreciation of his many contributions and more than 60 years of service to the City of Clanton and its residents.

The Greatest Among You Shall Be Your Servant Matthew 23:11

(205) 755-2400 500 5th Avenue North, Clanton, AL 35045

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www.chiltonchamber.org info@chiltonchamber.org

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here was no one that knew the finances like Billy Joe Driver. It was very comforting to know that he was in control of the finances. He always said “I put money back in different accounts, so that we won’t spend it and we will have it for a rainy day.” He said that you never know when something big is going to break down, so you’ve got to be ready if it does!

One of his famous sayings is, “You can’t borrow yourself out of debt!”

He liked to pay things off, instead of borrowing the money.

He always told me that he had the next mayor set up for four years if he didn’t blow it.

He said, “When I took over the city it was in the red , but it’s been in the black ever since.”

I believe that he has left the City of Clanton better than it was with a new city hall , three fire stations, several industries, Jeff State College, St Vincent’s Hospital, four storm shelters, good equipment to work with , a huge baseball and softball complex , the walking track under the Highway 31 bridge that ties all the parks together, the peach water tower the storm warning sirens, the new water plant addition and many, many more things that I can’t think of!

I once told Him that God created him just to be the mayor of the City of Clanton.

I thought very highly of him, and I prayed with him and for him often! Before he was transferred to Birmingham (hospital) he called me, and I prayed for him to be healed, but God had other plans for him. We wanted so much to give him the greatest retirement party ever, but God truly gave Mayor Billy Joe Driver a retirement party that was out of this world! The City of Clanton loved Billy Joe Driver, and I loved him, too.

Dale Collins Sanitation Superintendent

THE BRIDGE BUILDER An old man going a lone highway, Came, at the evening cold and gray, To a chasm vast and deep and wide.

Through which was flowing a sullen tide The old man crossed in the twilight dim, The sullen stream had no fear for him; But he turned when safe on the other side And built a bridge to span the tide.

“Old man,” said a fellow pilgrim near, “You are wasting your strength with building here; Your journey will end with the ending day, You never again will pass this way; You’ve crossed the chasm, deep and wide, Why build this bridge at evening tide?”

The builder lifted his old gray head; “Good friend, in the path I have come,” he said, “There followed after me to-day A youth w hose feet must pass this way.

This chasm that has been as naught to me To that fair-haired youth may a pitfall be; He, too, must cross in the twilight dim; Good friend, I am building this bridge for him!”

WILL ALLEN DROMGOOLE The Industrial Development Authority of Chilton County is indebted to Mayor Driver for his dedication and commitment to Clanton.

Thank you Mayor Driver for building the bridge for the future of Clanton.

Whitney Barlow, Director (334) 782-4507 wbarlow@growchilton.org www.growchilton.org

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ot only did I love Billy Joe Driver, but I also admired and respected him. Mayor Driver loved the City of Clanton and the residents of Clanton and always thought about what was best for the city. In his 48 years serving the City of Clanton, 12 years as councilmember and 36 years as mayor he only missed two council meetings. Mayor Driver was very careful with the tax payer’s money and spent it wisely, when I first came to work with the city 34 ½ years ago, the city was broke and with his wise use of money the city has been financially secure for many years.

I miss him terribly, especially his sense of humor, you never knew what he would come up with.

Our relationship with Mayor Driver was long and pleasant as we worked on City of Clanton audits. Billy Joe was a mayor who wanted things done right. Each year when the audit was presented to the Council, he enjoyed asking, “Is everything accounted for?”

Mayor Driver was a leader with an easy manner about him and he had a way of becoming a friend even in business relationships.

”I miss him terribly, especially his sense of humor, you never knew what he would come up with...”

Mayor Driver was always the first one to work and if I came in and he was sitting by the window, he was doing his daily Bible study, if he was already at his normal seat at the end of the table he was ready for the day ahead. He trusted the Lord to lead him in the direction not only he needed to go but also the City of Clanton. He was always kind to anyone that came to him and would help them if he could.

He had a head full of knowledge and could tell you where almost every water valve and sewer line was located. I had a citizen call one day wanting to know when the water tank was built next to the John Deere, I was in the vault looking through minute books and he asked what I was hunting and after I told him he said look in March or April of 1965 and that is exactly when it was built. I often asked him how he remembered the dates of when things took place, and he stated he always associated what was being done to what was going on in his life at the time, 1965 was the year his daughter was born.

I will forever love and miss him as I am sure will many others; he was a very special person, and servant of the people.

Debbie Orange Clanton City Clerk

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Driver joined the group from Chilton County that toured the Georgia National Fairgrounds & Agriculture Center in anticipation of and preparation for the Alabama Farm Center at Alfa Centennial Park.

Billy Joe Driver attended the celebration of the opening of the Clanton location of Guardian Credit Union.

Tim Minor (number 30) said, “Mayor Driver, My Little League Football Coach. Thank You for the guidance and memories.

Billy Joe Driver and Sammy Wilson at Senior Connection.

Driver and the Clanton City Council enjoy the Peach Festival Parade.

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first started with the Clanton Police Department in 1980. At the time, Mayor Driver was City Councilman Driver. He successfully ran for Mayor in 1984, and in 1986 he appointed me Chief of Police until I left law enforcement at the end of 1990. I returned in 1993 and was again appointed Chief by Mayor Driver in 2015.

The things that stand out to me with Mayor Driver are his financial knowledge and his support of Public Safety.

When he became mayor, the country was coming out of a recession and the city finances were in the red. Before his first term ended, Clanton was back in the black and

In Honor of Mayor Billy Joe Driver.

You will be missed.

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have been so ever since. We have built a new city hall, three new fire stations, a new civic center, a new hospital, made massive improvements to our city parks and purchased millions of dollars of police, fire and public works equipment. He, with the help of many great City Council members over the years, have kept the City of Clanton in great financial shape for any current and future needs. The people of Clanton have truly been blessed to have had Mayor Billy Joe Driver and his family and all their support for our community.

Keith Maddox Clanton Police Department

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e loved the fire department. He loved the whole city obviously, but I think the fire department was kind of his first love of the city because he was a member of the fire department department for 30 years before he got into Clanton City Council and leadership roles.

I think the fire department held a special place in his heart simply because he had been a member here for so long.

His daddy was one of the founding members of the fire department back in the early ‘20s.

He was a great benefit to the fire department.

He is going to be missed. I am sure the new mayor will do an excellent job for the fire department also.

There would be times I would go up there to talk to him about a major purchase the fire department needed and he would say let me think about it, but he never failed to get us what we needed, whether it would be a fire truck or a piece of equipment that we needed to do our jobs. He never failed to provide that stuff for us – to get approval, to get it in the budget, to do whatever he could do to meet the needs of the fire department.

He may have three or four people sitting there at that table he sat at, but if you walked in he would always say, “Watcha need?” or “Come on in.”

He was always firm, he believed in discipline, and people doing the right thing, but there

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ince making our home in Chilton County, Billy Joe Driver has been the only Mayor of Clanton that we have ever known. Mayor Driver devoted his life to Clanton and his presence can still be felt on every street corner and sidewalk of the city. Passing City Hall, we always expect him to be there, sitting at the end of his conference table, keeping an eye on the city that he worked so hard to create. Even though his physical presence may have passed, we take comfort in the knowledge that his spirit and memory will always be with us.

Billy and Sylvia Singleton

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was also softer side to him. He didn’t want to see anybody losing money or losing a job or a paycheck. He would tell you what he thought. He wouldn’t beat around the bushes, but he had a softer side.

He decided a long time ago that the work vehicle he wanted was a little minivan, I’m not sure why.

I think it was so he could haul tools. I had a vehicle when I first got fire chief, and it was a hand me down vehicle that I had used a couple of years. The engine went out in it and it was going to cost a good bit to fix it, so he told me it wasn’t worth fixing to look and see what I could find. I went on the state bid to get something similar to what I had was $24,000 to $25,000. We rode to a ribbon cutting in that minivan, and I told him I found a vehicle and asked if I could get his approval to put it on the agenda for council to ap-

prove it. He asked me how much it was, and I said $25,000. Without hesitation, he looks around at that van and said, I don’t think I paid but $18,000 for this van. My heart just dropped, I was like he is about to make me get a minivan. Then, he looked at me and said “get what you want.” He was kidding with me, but I didn’t know it at the time.

In this past January at the fire department dinner, he announced to the fire fighters that he wouldn’t be running again. He got a little emotional about it.

He talked about the fire department and what they had then versus what they have now and shared a few stories from the past about the department. He encouraged us to keep the fire department moving forward. That meant a lot to me.

David Driver Clanton Fire Chief

Billy Joe Driver is back row second from the left.

His father is back row on the end on the right.

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W

hat can you say about a man who spent most of his life serving the public the way he did for 48 years? Billy Joe Driver was a man that loved to serve the people he represented.

You could always find him at any time of the day, riding around Clanton in his minivan checking on things, making sure they were going as they should, even if it was two o’clock in the morning. Those of us who have worked at night know this to be true.

Those situations could have been anything from a water leak to a wreck scene where law enforcement and the fire department were working the scene.

He always wanted to make sure his people were taken care of. Mayor Driver was always a simple man but knew a lot about the management of a city.

He was more than willing to share his knowledge when people had questions about things they had going on in their own city and with their own jobs.

If it was part of being a city councilman for 12

years or being mayor for 36 years, if you had a question, he could give you an answer. After being in public service as long as he was, you would think he would have lost his will to serve, but that was right the opposite for Mayor Driver. We have all heard the term “I’m going to call Billy Joe” whether it was for speeders in front of their house or they had a water leak. They had confidence in him that he would get it handled. I have been an elected official for six years and served with Mayor Driver, and it has been a privilege and an honor to have done so. He was a man who wanted the people of Clanton taken care of and done all he could to make sure they were. He taught me to help people anytime we could and be ready to serve even when we were down and just didn’t feel like it, you serve the people. That was Mayor Billy Joe Driver. It was an honor knowing and working with you.

Sheriff John Shearon

Mayor Driver was a true public servant. He spent his entire life as an advocate for Chilton County, and more specifically, the City of Clanton. Mayor Driver was pro growth but not at the expense of existing local business, which was important to him. He personally would help anyone with anything on any given day, and became a true partner of the Chilton County Commission. His vision for our community led us toward the development of the 212 Exit, and his legacy will be felt in Clanton, Chilton County, and the state of Alabama for generations to come. He will be greatly missed both personally and professionally, and his service to his community remembered always.

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Billy Joe Driver at the annual Taste of Chilton fundraiser for Senior Connection and the Rotary Club of Chilton County

SENIOR CONNECTION REMEMBERS OUR MAYOR

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enior Connection had about 80 senior citizens that were forced to look for a place to meet in 2011.

With a phone call not knowing Mayor Driver at the time, I set up a meeting.

Never once did he hesitate to help us move forward. It is because of Mayor Billy Joe Driver that we have a great place to call our home.

As time went on Mayor Driver was awarded a plaque, and Senior Connection named our kitchen “Billy Joe’s Bistro.” It is a quaint little place that he became very fond of over the years. We would give him a call for lunch,

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and he would bring in a friend or two. He also enjoyed our activities especially on his birthdays. Just ask Marilyn Monroe (aka Betty Johnson).

Yes, we have a new home with around 600 folks now because of a great-hearted Mayor.

He is a winner again this year and has a great new home too!

It is with a heavy heart that I wrote this for you, God Speed our friend!

Vanessa McKinney Senior Connection director

A TRIBUTE TO BILLY JOE DRIVER

By Mike Kelly FORMER PUBLISHER, THE CLANTON ADVERTISER

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work that beat because of Billy Joe. Sitting o one I know or have known directly behind him many times I was the loved Clanton more than Billy only person who could hear humorous “one Joe Driver. liners” he would say about items the council Once when it was raining members were discussing. I know most of the and an insufficient number of sanitation demembers wondered why I would laugh during partment employees reported for work to serious council discussions. operate all of the city’s garbage trucks, Billy Once when the council members were disJoe hung on the back of a truck all day, loadcussing how to rid the city of unwanted piing garbage containers to make sure the city geons, a council person suggested feeding served its customers. That is the type elected the pigeons bird feed covered with powdered official Billy Joe was. cement. The councilman explained the piHe was much more than a mayor in name only. He was hands on in all city departments and during the 34 years I covered city council meetings as a reporter, I can’t remember him being absent from more than a handful of them.

After meeting him in 1975, we became quick friends. I loved his sense of humor.

We didn’t always agree, but we always remained friends.

Even when our staff at the paper grew, and I could Billy Joe Driver, front left, with the Clanton City Council assign others to cover counthat served from 2016-2020. cil meetings, I continued to

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geons would meet their demise when the cement became hard in their bodies. Immediately, Billy Joe said laughing that idea would cost the city too much money.

“We would have to buy every resident a hard hat to wear outside when the pigeons were flying.”

I learned a lot from Billy Joe, especially in how to deal with people. Many times, someone would come to a council meeting with a chip on his shoulder. Billy would patiently let the person raise his voice, say things that were simply not true. When I asked him why he didn’t just call the person down, he explained every resident had the right to meet with the council and express himself, no matter if he is right or wrong. Letting the person “blow off a little steam” defused the person’s anger making him easier to work with.

In his 40-plus years of service to Clanton’s people, Billy Joe worked hard to improve the lives of everyone. He took advantage of opportunities that would grow the city and provide more jobs for residents. He guided the city to purchase the industrial park near Highway 65 and later helped bring two plants to the property that are providing many jobs today for Clanton residents. He was instrumental in bringing Jefferson State’s campus to Clanton as well as many other good things to the city. He had a lot of help in making things happen for Clanton and would shift the credit always to others. But, Billy Joe was the leader.

I am a better person for knowing and working with Billy Joe. People like him do not come our way very often. I, and many others, are glad he chose to live and serve Clanton.

In Memory of our Wonderful Friend Mayor Billy Joe Driver.

600 5th Ave North, Clanton • (205) 688-3290 28

B

illy Joe Driver, 84, of Clanton, Alabama passed away July 9, 2020 at St. Vincent’s in Birmingham, Alabama.

He was born November 16, 1935 in Clanton, Alabama, and was the son of the late Joseph Ress Driver and Ruth Kate Driver.

He was the Mayor of the City of Clanton.

Surviving are his Son, Middleton Keith (Chrisie) Driver, Daughter, Kim (Keith) Hayes, Daughter, Amber Bingham, Granddaughter, Joy (Kyle) Aldridge, Granddaughter, Jill (Daniel) Furlong, Granddaughter, Lindsay (Todd) Guin, Granddaughter, Carrie (Brian) Hayes, 9 Great Grandchildren, a host of Nieces and Nephews, Special Relative, Ruby Driver, Special Friend , Debbie Orange.

He was preceded in death by his Father, Joseph Ress Driver, Mother, Ruth Kate Driver and Brother, Joseph Howard Driver.

Friends were received for a Walk-Through Visitation, Monday, July 13, 2020 from 4:00Â p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at Clanton City Hall.

In Leiu of Flowers, donations were accepted in his honor: Clanton Senior Connection 304 Park Plaza Clanton, AL 35045 Martin Funeral Home directed.

Graveside Service were held Tuesday, July 14, 2020, at 11:00 a.m. at Temple Assembly of God Cemetery with Royce Ellison, officiating.

Online condolences were accepted for the family on the guest registry at www.martinfuneralhomeinc.com.

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Mayor Billy Joe Driver is sworn in with the city council by District Judge Rhonda Hardesty at Clanton City Hall in 2016. (Photo by Steven Calhoun)

Clanton Mayor Billy Joe Driver presented a proclamation to Vickie Moseley with the Gardens of Clanton during a ceremony to begin National Assisted Living week in 2016.

(Photo by Anthony Richards) American Legion Post 216 Commander Steve McAnally presents Clanton Mayor Billy Joe Driver with a new American flag. (Photo by Anthony Richards)

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Mayor Billy Joe Driver attends the ribbon cutting for the reopening of intersection of Alabama Hwy 22 and U.S. 31 in October 2015.

(Advertiser File Photo)

Mayor Billy Joe Driver attends the grand opening celebrations for St. Vincent Chilton September 2016.

(Advertiser File Photo)

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A DAY IN THE LIFE Clanton Mayor Billy Joe Driver stays busy all day Editor’s note: This article originally ran in the 2017 edition of Progress. It highlights the dedication Mayor Driver had and his commitment to the city.

By Joyanna Love One can usually find Clanton Mayor Billy Joe Driver at City Hall. He may be signing checks, responding to emails or meeting with residents.

He begins his day there around 7 a.m. Each day typically begins finishing up things from the day before. Sometimes his day starts following up on calls about sewer issues he received at home the night before.

“I enjoy the work. I enjoy the people of Clanton, they have been very good to me, my whole family,” Driver said.

He usually stays at City Hall until 3:30 or 4 p.m.

However, he is available after hours when needed.

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“I am in touch if they need anything,” Driver said.

The mayor’s office is on the second floor of the city hall building, but he can usually be found by walking through the first door on the right when entering city hall.

Driver said he likes working on the main floor to be accessible to the public.

“I like seeing things get done, and I like to take care of each individual’s problems,” Driver said.

Throughout the day, residents call or stop by to talk to the mayor. Some bring issues to the mayor’s attention, such as water leaks. Driver said these issues are prioritized with the most serious issues being addressed first.

A main aspect of the position is working with the city council. Some of the projects Driver and the council are working on this year include a sewer rehabilitation project in the West End community, finishing the city girls’ softball fields and continued maintenance.

”The council has been very, very good to work with.”– Billy Joe Driver Driver said some projects were delayed by the drought conditions and the rains that followed.

His role in these projects is mainly serving as a liaison between the city council and the various groups involved.

“The council has been very, very good to work with,” Driver said.

The mayor also works with other city leaders to encourage businesses to locate downtown. The council approves incentive packages to businesses on a case-by-case basis.

Driver said he was “proud” that the city was able to buy a shopping center to develop a space for retail and the Senior Connection.

Replacing the water treatment plant for the city is a project planned for the future, in order to double the capacity.

Driver is in communication with the city’s department heads on a regular basis.

Continuing education is a part of the job.

Driver said he and the council attend conferences when they can.

Signing documents and checks for the city is also a big part of the job. Driver said he signs 300 or so checks each month.

Before serving as mayor, Driver served on the city council from 1972 to 1984. He has served as mayor since 1984. In all that time, Driver has only missed three city council meetings.

From all of us at the Town of Maplesville we want to honor Mayor Billy Joe Driver.

He was a great friend and we loved him very much.

Mayor Driver was a great person and friend.

He will surely be missed.

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Mayor Billy Joe Driver about 1989 at a ground-breaking ceremony for Clanton’s townhouses built on the corner of Airport Road. (Driver is pictured on the far right.)

A MEMORIAM TO BILLY JOE Editor’s note: This piece originally ran in the July 19 edition of The Clanton Advertiser.

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O

n July 14, 2020, Billy Joe Driver was laid to rest at his home church Temple Assembly of God in Clanton. Billy Joe was a Clanton icon. Known to some as a local celebrity, he was a good friend to many.

Driver, who served as mayor since 1984 made Clanton’s motto, “a good place to visit, a better place to live,” – a reality. Most all of Clanton’s current businesses came into existence during his time as mayor. A wide spectrum of people from real estate agents to blue-collared workers can attest that he was always genuine and devoted his time to the task at hand.

Driver’s dedication to Clanton was life-long.

He was an active member of his church and all aspects of the community. He was sincere and when he spoke, his words were genuine. Many times his assistance gave relief to the people who were having conflict.

“Whenever he said ‘I’ll check on it’, he meant it. He was always a gentleman and a good man,” said former City Council Assistant Faye Collins that worked with Billy Joe during 1977-1979 when he served on the City Council.

Driver never lost a political race. In 2011, Business Alabama Magazine named Driver on its list of “Alabama’s Favorite Mayors.” During his career for Chilton County he saw Interstate 65 come into existence, which led to the formation of the businesses at all of Clanton’s exits (205, 208 and 212); roads were created, lakes and bridges were formed, subdivisions and townhouses were formed. Commerce boomed, and he did it all while remaining our friend.

Clanton will miss Billy Joe Driver but his presence and legacy will live on in Chilton County for generations to come. The next time you are at Minooka Park or taking a drive down County Road 97, think of Mayor Driver. He is worthy of great respect.

Not only did he serve as mayor for 36 years, but his service to Chilton County as a whole began in 1953. During that time, he worked for the City Council, was shop foreman, engineer assistant and county administrator for Chilton County and also served as a firefighter.

“The largest project that we worked on was when the Coosa River Bridge below Lay Dam was built,” said former County Clerk Sandra Campbell that worked with Billy Joe in 1972 when he served Chilton County as engineer assistant. “He worked on developing new roads in Chilton County, like County Road 97, that runs from Providence Church to Cooper. He also put the lake in at Minooka Park in Jemison. All of that was created under Billy Joe’s time of leadership for the county.”

Driver was also an active member of the Alabama League of Municipalities, serving on numerous committees and as League President from 1999-2000. He served on the Board of Directors for the Alabama Municipal Insurance CorporaClanton Mayor Billy Joe Driver, Robert Binion of the West End community and Chilton County Schools Superintendent Jason Griffin each received tion as chairman since a “seeds of kindness” award.

2008.

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