County Commission | The Magazine August 2017 | Page 34

COUNTY FAMILY FEATURE
An Albritton Family Tradition:
Do What You Can
I
f some things are meant to be, then
fewer illusions. He knew he would be
Bill Albritton was bound to serve in
called to make personal sacrifices.
local government sooner or later. Public
“It’s not for everybody, and
office is a family tradition, and he is
sometimes I wonder if it’s for me, but
doing what he can to
see it continue.
He freely chose a
path to becoming the
fourth generation of
Albrittons elected by
the people of Wilcox
County, though he is
the first to serve as a
district commissioner.
“For a long time
there, there was
nearly always an
Albritton in county
government,” said the
commissioner, whose
father, great uncle,
grandfather and
Family photos courtesy of Peggy Albritton Terry
great-grandfather all Commissioner Bill Albritton, right, completed the Alabama Local
served in county-wide Government Training Institute’s Level I program in 2013.
office at intervals off
and on as far back as 1900. His own
everybody has to do what they can,”
father was sheriff for six years and then he said, noting that he was always
probate judge for a dozen more.
interested in public affairs from being
Compared to some aspiring
around his father. He is the third of four
officeholders, Albritton went in with
siblings but the only one to hold office.
William Wood (“Bill”)
Albritton
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County Commission | 2013 to present
Camden City Council | 3 terms
34 | COUNTY COMMISSION
Commissioner Albritton’s Father
“I don’t think it was ever an
obligation to ‘carry on the family
business,’” explained older sister Peggy
Terry. “It was ingrained in us for people
to step up and do what you can.”
Initially, doing what Albritton could
meant serving in Camden’s municipal
government much as their father had.
Then in 2013, the governor tapped the
city councilman and small business
owner to fill a vacancy on the
county commission.
Wilcox County is part of Alabama’s
often struggling Black Belt region, but
there have been bright spots. The
Gee’s Bend quilters have become world
famous for their unique artistry, and just
a few years ago Golden Dragon Copper
USA Inc. opened in the Thomasville/
West Wilcox Industrial Park, with a
payroll that today numbers about 300.
“Roads and bridges – that’s my No.
1 call,” the commissioner said, ticking
off other projects and challenges such
as rebuilding public trust in county
government and establishing a water
authority. County buildings need
significant repairs, including a new air
conditioner for the courthouse annex.
“Those are major things for us,” he said.
Commissioner Albritton’s Grandfather
Felix Reginald Albritton Jr. Felix Reginald “Reg” Albritton Sr.
Probate Judge | 1977-89
Sheriff | 1971-77
Camden City Council (1948-64)
& Mayor (1965-70) Probate Judge | 1941-42 (after his
untimely death, his brother Clifford “Clip”
Albritton finished out this term
Sheriff | 1936-40 (succeeded his father)
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