BNI Newswire

NEW SITE - It was far from the typical birthday celebration for a man who spent 38 years of his life in public service at the state and federal level.

In fact, it was more like a homecoming of former officials, which

included former Alabama Gov. John Patterson, long-time state Rep. Pete Turnham and state Supreme Court justices C.C. "Bo" Torbert and Sonny Hornsby.

More than a dozen political figures and their wives attended the birthday party honoring former Congressman Tom Bevill, who served Alabama in Washington from 1967 to 1997, at Meme’s Cafe in New Site Wednesday afternoon.

"It’s a real honor for me to share in this occasion with so many of my friends and colleagues being able to take part in this special time," Bevill said.

"Many of the people here are some of the finest men I have ever worked with and they all hold a special place in my heart."

Gov. Patterson, who resides in Tallapoosa County, said that he too has many fond memories with all those who attended the birthday party.

"In politics, I can say that I made some of the best friends a man could ask for and many of them are here as we recognize Tom," Patterson said. "We all stay in touch with each other and it’s a great time when we can come together like this. I think it means a lot to everyone here."

Patterson, reflecting on the legislative days gone by, said that the House and Senate members of the late 1950s and early 1960s – like Bevill – seemed to be more colorful that current lawmakers.

After the luncheon and cutting of the birthday cake, Patterson, Bevill and their friends looked at old pictures of a Montgomery meeting and of hunting trips near Bevill’s home in Jasper.

"Looking back over all these things makes me think about the past," Bevill said while eating a slice of his cake and sipping a cup of coffee. "I guess you can say that I have come full circle. I started out as a country lawyer before entering public service and now I’m back practicing law. It has been a rewarding time for me when I look back at all those years."