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It is with heavy hearts that The Clanton Advertiser reports long-time Mayor Billy Joe Driver has passed away.

Driver had been in the hospital since June 28 after being diagnosed with COVID-19.

Driver’s daughter Kim Driver Hayes announced Driver’s death on her personal Facebook page.

“He fought a hard fight all the way to the end, but the race has been won,” Hayes wrote. “He is now at his final destination, with his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.”

She thanked the community for all of their prayers and calls during her father’s illness.

“He loved the City of Clanton and the people,” she wrote.

Several governmental organizations throughout the county have expressed their condolences on social media.

In her post, Hayes asked the community to “please give the family some time to rest and process.”

Funeral arrangements have not been made public at this time.