He had served as mayor of Gadsden from 2006 to 2022.
Sherman Guyton died June 21 at age 79.
Only three mayors have served Gadsden in the past third of a century. Sherman Guyton served 16 of those years.
A lifelong Gadsden resident, Guyton graduated from Emma Sansom High School in 1963. He earned a bachelor’s degree from Jacksonville State University. He later received his education certification from the University of Alabama and did graduate work at UAB and Livingston University.
He started his working career in Gadsden at Philips Fruit Stand, Republic Steel and the Goodyear Warehouse. He then became known in the Gadsden community as a teacher and coach.
For 29 years, he was a realtor with Sherman Guyton Realty, which he operated from 1977 until taking office in 2006. He changed from Guyton Realty signs to Guyton for Mayor signs.
During Guyton’s 16 years as mayor, he led Gadsden through the 2008 recession and the 2020-2021 COVID disruption.
He promoted capital investment to attract jobs, initiated The Venue at Coosa Landing and the Riverwalk Park at Coosa Landing. He led improvements at Noccalula Falls and in the downtown district. He helped establish the Gadsden Sports Park on the Gadsden State Community College campus.
One thing that Sherman Guyton did that did not hit the news was a love of his. He was a big fan of oldies music. He was a strong supporter of bringing 1960s performers to Gadsden, including The Swingin’ Medallions, The Tams, the local group Tyn Tymes and a Jimmy Buffett Tribute.
When Guyton was first elected mayor, one of his opponents in the race said afterwards, “Sherman ran through that campaign like Sherman going through Georgia.” It was an accurate description of the campaign.
A visitation will be held on Thursday at 1 p.m. at The Venue at Coosa Landing, which Mayor Guyton had built. A Celebration of Life follows at 3 p.m.
Jim ‘Zig’ Zeigler’s beat is the colorful and positive about Alabama -- her people, places, events, groups and prominent deaths. He is a former Alabama Public Service Commissioner and State Auditor. You can reach him for comments at [email protected].
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