(Sept. 14, 2017) Several members of the Berlin Mayor and Town Council spoke about their fond memories of former Mayor Rex Hailey at their public meeting on Monday night.
Hailey, who died on Sept. 1, served Berlin for 16 years, as a town councilman for eight years and as mayor for another eight years, from 1996-2004.
Mayor Gee Williams read from a prepared statement on Monday.
“During his eight-year tenure as Berlin’s mayor, Town Hall … underwent major, urgently needed renovations to update and modernize the facility while preserving its historic architecture,” Williams said. “He was also a strong advocate for providing equitable town services to all neighborhoods in Berlin.
“Under Mayor Hailey’s leadership, Berlin initiated significant upgrades to Berlin’s Electric Utility over a period of several years, which laid the foundation for the efficient and cost-effective electric utility we all enjoy today.
“He also successfully advocated for the extension of town sewer and water to Seahawk Road to provide environmentally sustainable services for both Stephen Decatur High School and Stephen Decatur Middle School.
“Mayor Hailey will certainly be remembered for his infectious smile and as a very well-liked citizen of Berlin. He was known for being caring, supportive and a joyful friend to everyone he met.
“We extend our thoughts and prayers to his wife, Shirley and to his many friends.”
Councilman Elroy Brittingham served with Hailey during all of his 16 years as an elected official.
Brittingham said Hailey loved to travel, attending meetings whenever and wherever he could.
“He was a good guy,” Brittingham said. “He was a friend, also.”
Speaking of traveling to meetings, Councilman Dean Burrell said Hailey also loved his Ford Thunderbird.
“When he first got his Thunderbird, we were going to a meeting, I think it was at Suicide Bridge or somewhere, and Rex looked at me and said, ‘it’s a V8!’ Whooooooom!” Burrell said, imitating the loud sound of the engine and drawing a big laugh from the audience in the council chamber.
Councilman Troy Purnell said Hailey probably had the most extensive collection of Hawaiian shirts of anyone he ever met.
“He always had a different one on,” Purnell said with a laugh.
A memorial service was scheduled for today, Thursday, at 11 a.m. at St. Paul’s Episcopal Church in Berlin.
Hailey, who died on Sept. 1, served Berlin for 16 years, as a town councilman for eight years and as mayor for another eight years, from 1996-2004.
Mayor Gee Williams read from a prepared statement on Monday.
“During his eight-year tenure as Berlin’s mayor, Town Hall … underwent major, urgently needed renovations to update and modernize the facility while preserving its historic architecture,” Williams said. “He was also a strong advocate for providing equitable town services to all neighborhoods in Berlin.
“Under Mayor Hailey’s leadership, Berlin initiated significant upgrades to Berlin’s Electric Utility over a period of several years, which laid the foundation for the efficient and cost-effective electric utility we all enjoy today.
“He also successfully advocated for the extension of town sewer and water to Seahawk Road to provide environmentally sustainable services for both Stephen Decatur High School and Stephen Decatur Middle School.
“Mayor Hailey will certainly be remembered for his infectious smile and as a very well-liked citizen of Berlin. He was known for being caring, supportive and a joyful friend to everyone he met.
“We extend our thoughts and prayers to his wife, Shirley and to his many friends.”
Councilman Elroy Brittingham served with Hailey during all of his 16 years as an elected official.
Brittingham said Hailey loved to travel, attending meetings whenever and wherever he could.
“He was a good guy,” Brittingham said. “He was a friend, also.”
Speaking of traveling to meetings, Councilman Dean Burrell said Hailey also loved his Ford Thunderbird.
“When he first got his Thunderbird, we were going to a meeting, I think it was at Suicide Bridge or somewhere, and Rex looked at me and said, ‘it’s a V8!’ Whooooooom!” Burrell said, imitating the loud sound of the engine and drawing a big laugh from the audience in the council chamber.
Councilman Troy Purnell said Hailey probably had the most extensive collection of Hawaiian shirts of anyone he ever met.
“He always had a different one on,” Purnell said with a laugh.
A memorial service was scheduled for today, Thursday, at 11 a.m. at St. Paul’s Episcopal Church in Berlin.