Clanton Mayor Dies of COVID-19
The city of Clanton has announced the death of their mayor, Billy Joe Driver. Driver was 84-years-old. He died Thursday, July 9 after being admitted to the hospital last week for COVID-19 treatment.
Driver had been the mayor of Clanton since 1984. He was expected to retire later this year.
His death comes as cases are increasing in the state as the virus spreads through communities. More than 1,100 people are currently hospitalized statewide with the disease, and an increasing percentage of people are testing positive for the illness.
The Clanton Fire Department left this heartfelt message on their Facebook page regarding the death of Driver:
Governor Kay Ivey, following the passing of Clanton Mayor Billy Joe Driver, issued the following statement:
“Today, the state of Alabama lost a valued public servant of many years, Mayor Billy Joe Driver. After his battle with COVID-19, Mayor Driver passed on to his eternal home. He will truly be missed in his home of Clanton, but also by many of us across the state. I offer my heartfelt prayers to his loved ones, friends and the city of Clanton in their tremendous time of loss.”
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Governor Ivey will authorize the city of Clanton to fly flags at half-staff on the day of interment.