“We will never forget his contributions"

Dr. Richard Showers Sr., a longtime member of the Huntsville city council, has passed away. Showers was the first black man to be elected to a Huntsville political office since reconstruction, and served as an educator in Huntsville. He was elected to the Huntsville city council in 1988 and served until 2016. He is survived by his wife and five children.

Showers wore many hats in his long and illustrious career, working as a Career Technical Education Teacher in the Huntsville school system, and serving on various boards and committees in his local community. He was a graduate of Alabama A&M University, where he received both his Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees, as well as an Adult and Continuing Education Certificate from Auburn University. He also received an honorary Doctorate in Humanities for

 his lifelong service to humanity.

Huntsville City Mayor Tommy Battle released a statement on Showers’ death. “Dr. Richard Showers, Sr., a former City Council member and educator at Huntsville City Schools, had an incredible impact on our City,” Battle said. “As a representative of District 1, Dr. Showers was a tireless community champion who continuously went above and beyond for his district since first being elected to the Council in 1988. His passion for serving others, diversifying Huntsville and improving quality of life for all citizens will not be forgotten. Our deepest condolences go to Dr. Showers’ family and all those he touched throughout his remarkable life. We will never forget his contributions to making Huntsville the best it can be.”