Former Gadsden Mayor Sherman Guyton dies

GADSDEN, Ala. (WIAT) -- Former Gadsden Mayor Sherman Guyton, who served as mayor from 2006-2022, has died, according to a statement from the city of Gadsden.

“Mayor Guyton was a great leader for Gadsden for many years, but more importantly, he was a great man,” Gadsden Mayor Craig Ford said in a statement. “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.”

“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,” Mayor Ford added. “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."

Guyton graduated from Emma Sansom High School in 1963 and earned a bachelor’s degree from Jacksonville State University. He received an education certification from the University of Alabama, and he did graduate work at UAB and Livingston University. Guyton worked as a teacher and a coach for many years, and he owned Sherman Guyton Realty from 1977-2006.

“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,” Mayor Ford said.