Gadsden, AL – _The City of Gadsden and Mayor Craig Ford send their condolences to the Guyton family following the passing of former mayor Sherman Guyton.

“Mayor Guyton was a great leader for Gadsden for many years, but more importantly, he was a great man,” Ford said. “We want to make sure that Debra, Grace and their family know that we’re thinking about them and praying for them at this time.”

Guyton was first elected as Gadsden’s mayor in 2006, and he served until 2022—one of only three men to hold the position in the last 35 years.

“During my time in the Legislature, I was able to work alongside him for many years on projects for Gadsden, and it’s been an honor to follow him as mayor,” Ford said. “Mayor Guyton made countless improvements to the city over more than a decade and a half in office. He also helped guide Gadsden through tough times, like the recession in the late 2000s and the recent pandemic.

“No matter the situation, Mayor Guyton and his administration were responsible stewards of taxpayers’ money. They left a wonderful base to keep building on, and we’ve been able to continue making great progress for the city over the last three years,” Ford said.

Guyton graduated from Emma Sansom High School in 1963 and earned a bachelor’s degree from Jacksonville State University. He got his education certification from the University of Alabama and did graduate work at UAB and Livingston University.

In addition to working at Goodyear Warehouse, Guyton worked as a teacher and coach for a number of years, and he also owned Sherman Guyton Realty from 1977 to 2006.

“In one way or another, he touched the lives of every citizen of Gadsden by making this city better, and that’s an incredible legacy to leave behind,” Ford said.