W. A. Gayle

W. A. Gayle
Mayor of Montgomery, Alabama
In office
1951–1959
Preceded by John L. Goodwyn
Succeeded by Earl D. James
Personal details
Born (1896-03-05)March 5, 1896
Montgomery, Alabama
Died July 5, 1965(1965-07-05) (aged 69)
Montgomery, Alabama
Nationality American
Spouse(s) Katharine Anderson
Occupation Soldier, author
Awards Bronze Star
Military service
Service/branch United States Navy
United States Army Air Forces
Battles/wars World War I, World War II

William Armistead "Tacky" Gayle, Jr. (March 5, 1896 – July 5, 1965) was an American politician for the Democratic Party,[1] soldier and author who was the mayor of Montgomery, Alabama, from 1951 to 1959.

Gayle was born in 1896, the son of William A. and Mary (née Winn) Gayle. He served during World War I in the United States Navy, having attended the United States Naval Academy. He later attended the University of Alabama from 1915 to 1916. After the war, he worked for the Anderson Coal Company as a manager. Gayle, who held the rank of Brigadier General, was appointed by Governor Bibb Graves on April 2, 1935 to serve as Adjutant General of Alabama. He previously served as Assistant Adjutant General in Graves' administration.[2] He resigned on October 1, 1935 to become commissioner of Montgomery, Alabama.[3]

During World War II, Gayle returned to active duty, serving in the United States Army Air Forces. After the war, he would continue to serve in the Alabama National Guard.[4] He served as public works commissioner of the City of Montgomery when he was elected as mayor in 1951.[5] Gayle served as Mayor of Montgomery from 1951 to 1959. The Montgomery Bus Boycott occurred during his term as mayor from 1955 to 1956. He was named the defendant of the Browder v. Gayle federal court case that ended the boycott and racial segregation on the buses in Montgomery.[4][6] Gayle died on July 5, 1965.

References

  1. ↑ "Mayors of U.S. Cities: Montgomery".
  2. ↑ "The Tuscaloosa News - Google News Archive Search". google.com.
  3. ↑ "The Tuscaloosa News - Google News Archive Search". google.com.
  4. 1 2 "Alabama Authors » Blog Archive » GAYLE, WILLIAM ARMISTEAD, JR., 1896-1965". ua.edu.
  5. ↑ "From Civil War to Civil Rights--Alabama, 1860-1960". google.ca.
  6. ↑ "Journey Toward Justice". google.ca.
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