Hinton Mitchem facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Hinton Mitchem
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| President pro tempore of the Alabama Senate |
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| In office January 9, 2007 – February 5, 2009 |
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| Preceded by | Lowell Barron |
| Succeeded by | Rodger Smitherman |
| Member of the Alabama Senate from the 9th district |
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| In office November 5, 1986 – November 3, 2010 |
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| Preceded by | Loyd Coleman |
| Succeeded by | Clay Scofield |
| In office November 8, 1978 – November 5, 1986 |
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| Preceded by | Sid McDonald |
| Succeeded by | Loyd Coleman |
| Member of the Alabama House of Representatives from the 25th district |
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| In office November 6, 1974 – November 8, 1978 |
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| Preceded by | Kirby Smith |
| Succeeded by | Euclid Rains |
| Personal details | |
| Born | May 18, 1938 Oconee County, Georgia |
| Died | January 22, 2013 (aged 74) Vinemont, Alabama |
| Political party | Democratic |
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| Education | University of Georgia (BS) |
| Profession | business owner |
| Military service | |
| Branch/service | United States Coast Guard |
Hinton Mitchem was an important politician from Alabama. He was a member of the Democratic Party and served in the Alabama Senate for many years, representing the 9th District. He was born on May 18, 1938, and passed away on January 22, 2013.
Early Life and Career
Hinton Mitchem was born in Georgia in 1938. He went to the University of Georgia and earned a degree in education in 1961. He also served in the United States Coast Guard, which is a branch of the military that protects our coasts. In 1962, he moved from Georgia to Marshall County, Alabama. For many years, he owned a business called Hinton Mitchem Tractor Co., Inc., which he ran from 1965 until 2005.
Political Journey
Mitchem began his political career in 1968 as a member of the Albertville, Alabama City Council. In 1974, he was elected to the Alabama House of Representatives, representing the 25th District. He served one four-year term there before being elected to the Alabama Senate.
He was first elected to the Senate in 1978. After stepping down briefly in 1986 to run for Lieutenant Governor, he returned to the Senate in a special election in 1987. He continued to win elections, even as the political landscape in Alabama changed. His last election in 2006 was his closest, but he still won.
In 2007, Mitchem was chosen by his fellow senators to be the President pro tempore of the Alabama Senate. This is a very important leadership role. He held this position until 2009. By 2010, Mitchem had served 36 years in the Alabama Legislature, making him the longest-serving member at that time. He decided to retire in 2010.
Personal Life and Later Years
Outside of politics, Mitchem was a member of the Rotary Club, a group that does community service. He also enjoyed playing golf and traveling. He had four children and five grandchildren.
In his later years, Mitchem continued to serve the community. He was appointed by Governor Fob James, Jr. to lead the Alabama Governor's Commission on Physical Fitness, a role he held for 28 years. He also spent 18 years as the Chairman of the Alabama Special Olympics, an organization that provides sports training and athletic competition for children and adults with intellectual disabilities.
Hinton Mitchem passed away on January 22, 2013.
