Mayor of Alabama city since 1984 dies of COVID-19

A long time Alabama mayor has died of COVID-19 as cases of the virus have risen in the state.

Billy Joe Driver, who was elected as mayor of Clanton in 1984, was admitted to the hospital on June 28, where he passed away on Thursday, reports People.com. He was 84.

“We are deeply saddened to announce the passing of our beloved Mayor. He was looking forward to his retirement later this year,” said the Clanton Fire Department in a statement.

“At this year’s annual department dinner, Mayor Driver shared an emotional story about his time with the fire department until present and challenged the upcoming generations to continue the progress. His love for our city runs deep and he will be greatly missed by many!”

Driver, who has a long political career in the town, joined the Clanton City Council in 1972 and served until elected as mayor.

“He spent the best years of his life dedicated to the city that he loved,” says Driver’s daughter, Kim Driver Hayes.

Gov. Kay Ivey offered her condolences to Driver’s family, saying that the city has “lost a valued public servant.”

Alabama has reported 15,000 new cases of the coronavirus in the last two weeks, with 287 in Chilton County, where Clanton is located, as of Thursday, according to Alabama Public Health.