Joe Smitherman | |
|---|---|
| Mayor of Selma | |
| In office 1980–2000 | |
| Preceded by | Carl Morgan Jr. |
| Succeeded by | James Perkins Jr. |
| In office 1964 – July 15, 1979 | |
| Preceded by | Chris Heinz |
| Succeeded by | Carl Morgan Jr. |
| Personal details | |
| Born | December 24, 1929 Alberta, Alabama, U.S. |
| Died | September 11, 2005 (aged 75) Selma, Alabama, U.S. |
| Political party | Democratic |
| Occupation | railroad brakeman |
| Military service | |
| Allegiance |  United States of America |
| Branch/service | United States Army |
| Battles/wars | Korean War |
Joseph Thomas Smitherman (December 24, 1929 – September 11, 2005) was an American politician who served more than 35 years as mayor of Selma, Alabama. He was in office during the Selma to Montgomery marches of the Civil Rights Movement.[1] "He can do the reformed redneck better than anyone else," is a famous line about Joe Smitherman.[citation needed]