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Brewton lost a long-time resident, World War II veteran and former sheriff this week with the death of G. S. “Scotty” Byrne Jr., 92, of Evergreen Avenue, after a brief illness.
Byrne was a native of Atmore, but had been a resident of Brewton for many years.
He was born on June 30, 1926 in Atmore to Gladin Scott and Arabelle Dupree Slaughter Byrne and moved to Brewton at a young age. He attended T.R. Miller High School, but left after his junior year to enlist in the U.S. Army. He served in North Africa and Italy during World War II with the 5th Army, 88th Division, Anti Tank Co. 351st Infantry known as the “Fighting Blue Devils” and was awarded three bronze battle stars and a Purple Heart. Upon returning home from the war, he finished high school at T.R. Miller and participated in the first Miller-Neal football game. He attended the University of Southern Mississippi and was an outstanding two-sport athlete. He played baseball and golf and was the first to be inducted into the USM Sports Hall of Fame for two sports. In 1958, he was elected sheriff of Escambia County, an office his father, Gladin, held from 1931-1934.
He served as sheriff from January 1959 until his retirement in January 1983 after 24 years of service. He was of the Methodist faith.
While he was sheriff, he was a strong supporter of the Alabama Sheriff’s Boys Ranch. He was an exceptional golfer and outdoorsman. He played in many golf tournaments throughout the years and won his share. Hunting and fishing were also a big part of his life, but what he enjoyed most was being with his friends and an occasional trip to Biloxi.
He was preceded in death by his wife of 61 years, Ida Bradley Byrne and his sister, Arabelle Byrne Jernigan.
He is survived by two sons, Gladin Scott “Chippy” (fiancee, Judy Fralish) Bryne III and Bradley Ellis (Ann) Byrne, both of Brewton; five grandchildren, Beth (Chris) Crutchfield of Northport, Scott (Melody) Byrne of Columbiana, Bradley (Donielle) Byrne of Birmingham, Patrick (Allie) Byrne of Memphis, Tenn., and Erin (Chris) Good of Conroe, Texas; nine great grandchildren, Caroline Crutchfield, Nate Byrne, Zeke Byrne, Ellis Byrne, Evie Byrne, Lila Byrne, Addie Byrne, Cora Byrne and Ashton Good.
Visitation will be held Friday, Nov. 23, from 9 to 10:45 a.m. at Williams Memorial Chapel Funeral Home in Brewton.
Graveside services will be held Friday, Nov. 23, at 11 a.m., weather permitting. If not, it will be at Williams Memorial Chapel Funeral Home. The Rev. Bobby Ellisor will officiate and burial will follow in Union Cemetery in Brewton with Williams Memorial Chapel Funeral Home directing.
In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations to The Baldwin County Boys and Girls Ranch or The Alzheimer’s Association.