By TODD STACY, Alabama Daily News
MONTGOMERY, Ala. – Former Congressman Tom Bevill is the subject of a new documentary from Alabama Public Television scheduled to air Monday.
Representing Alabama for 30 years in the House of Representatives, Bevill was sometimes referred to as the state’s “third senator” for his knack for delivering federal money and projects back home. Some of his best known efforts include starting the Interstate 22 project, funding the Alabama Technology Network and the UAB Biomedical Research Building, helping make Little River Canyon a National Preserve, deepening the Mobile harbor and building the new Oliver Lock and Dam.
Interviews with family members and colleagues provide insight into Bevill’s service in World War II and his extraordinarily long career in service to the people of Alabama. Extensive archival film footage provides insight into Bevill’s personable nature. In one clip, Bevill remembers how his father – who ran a grocery store – helped out his neighbors during the depression, instilling in Bevill the values of servant leadership.
“Dad wanted to be remembered as someone who tries to help people,” says Bevill’s son, Don.
Robert Avery, Dr. Paul Beezley, Gregg Bennett, Rev. Dr. Charles Betts, Martha Betts, Jo Bonner, Olivia Ferriter, Patty Warren and Don Smith, Bevill’s former chief of staff, all provide insights into Bevill’s upbringing, war service and political career. The documentary details many of the projects and the wealth in federal investment Bevill brought to the state.
“APT is proud to bring this uniquely Alabama story about U.S Representative Tom Bevill to our viewers,” said interim executive director, Phil Hutcheson. “Representative Bevill served 15 terms in the U.S. House and was truly a servant leader.”
Tom Bevill – Servant Leader is produced by Alabama Public Television partners at Jacksonville State University. Jacksonville State University also produced Forever Wild – The James W. Martin Story last year for APT. Bevill replaced Martin in the U.S. House of Representatives for Alabama’s 7th district. J. Seth Johnson served as executive producer of the documentary, Rebakah Hall Evans was producer and Christopher O’Conner wrote and directed the film. Other recent JSU productions broadcast by APT include Lagarde: Making Natural History, Bluegrass on the Rim, and A Fire in Anniston – A Freedom Riders Story.
The one-hour film premieres Monday, Feb. 7 at 9:00 p.m. on APT. Set a reminder HERE.