SILVERHILL, Alabama — The Town of Silverhill is honoring former Mayor Tim Wilson by dedicating the covered bridge on Alabama 104 near Oscar Johnson Park in his honor.
Several members of the community and town employees gathered for a reception held for Wilson on Monday, July 29 at the Silverhill Community Center.
“Tim has served the town faithfully over the last three decades, as an employee, as a volunteer and as an elected official,” said Jared Lyles, who was appointed mayor on May 20. “I think it’s rare today that you have someone who sacrificed so much of himself for his town and we wanted to honor that.”
At its meeting April 15, Wilson read a prepared letter announcing his resignation as mayor. According to the letter, which was included in the April 15 minutes as part of the May 6 agenda packet, Wilson served as a council member for 15 years, the last 12 as mayor.
A life-long resident of Silverhill, Wilson served as mayor pro-tem before being appointed to fill the vacant mayoral seat in 2007. He was elected to his first full term as mayor in 2008, retaining his seat unopposed in 2012.
Lyles said he had been in contact with Wilson, who has agreed to participate. No specific date has been set to honor Wilson, Lyles said.
The covered bridge was built as part of a Federal Grant program through the Alabama Department of Transportation to construct sidewalks in the town, Wilson said.
“I am humbled by this honor,” Wilson said. “The bridge was designed by me and the architect and was listed as an option for the grant. I think it turned out well. People like it and seem to use it a lot.”
Wilson was presented with a commemorative which included photos of the bridge. A plaque was also shown that will be put on the bridge as a temporary marker until a more permanent marker can be placed.
It reads: “This Bridge is hereby dedicated to the Honorable Mayor Timothy C. Wilson who faithfully served the Town of Silverhill for over two decades. He served as an employee, volunteer firefighter, council member and as Mayor. This bridge, which was constructed during his tenure as mayor, is dedicated to him in honor of his valued contributions to this town. Dedicated this 29th day of July, 2019 by the Town of Silverhill.”
