By By Lisa Tindell
news editor
With a warm smile, an open heart and a generous spirit, Hank Locklin found a friend in everyone he met. Locklin, 91, died at his home Sunday, leaving behind a legacy of good music and warm memories.
Brewton Mayor Ted Jennings said the loss of Locklin was a shock to the entire community.
Jennings said Locklin was selected as an ambassador of Brewton many years ago and the choice proved to be a good one for the city.
Locklin’s warm, open personality is one that Jennings said was felt be anyone who met him.
Jennings will have the opportunity to remember Locklin every time he opens or closes a council meeting at city hall.
Terry Clark, mayor of East Brewton, said the loss of Locklin will leave a void in the lives of many people.
Clark said Locklin would often joke about the two of them being mayors.
Ralph Emery once nickanamed Locklin the “mayor of McClellan” after the singer’s hometown; the name stuck.
Locklin and his wife moved to Brewton in 1986.
Pete Fisher, vice president and general manager of the Grand Ole Opry, said the century-old organization will miss Locklin’s presence.
Locklin was inducted as a member of the Grand Ole Opry in 1960 after reaching the top of the music charts with songs like “Please Help Me I’m Falling.”
That song spent 14 weeks at No. 1 and 30 weeks in the Top 10 in 1960.
Locklin is also famous for songs such as “Send Me The Pillow,” which he wrote in 1949.
Locklin’s last album, a gospel album titled “By the Grace of God,” was released in 2006.
Visitation will be held from 4 to 8 p.m. Thursday at First Baptist Church in Brewton.
Survivors include his wife of 39 years, Anita Locklin, and his children Margaret Kent, Maurice Locklin, Beth Padgett, Nina Hendricks, Amy Alford, and Hank Adam Locklin. Complete obituary information is on page 3A.