FOLEY – The Foley City Council honored Councilman Richard “Dick” Dayton for his five years of dedicated service to the city and community.
Dayton, who was elected to the council in 2020, passed away on Aug. 21, 2025. At a recent meeting, the council presented a proclamation and plaque to his wife, Judy, recognizing his many contributions to Foley.
“I want you to know how special Mr. D. was to us, and how much he really enjoyed the job, and our city enjoyed him,” Mayor Ralph Hellmich said. “I don’t think words can express the loss that we have.”
The proclamation praised Dayton’s “compassionate leadership, tireless work ethic and commitment to learning and professional growth,” noting the lasting impact he made on the residents of Foley.
Mayor Hellmich added, “Councilman Dick Dayton was a great council member. I was very impressed with him and his ability to solve problems and work as a team. We’re really going to miss him.”
During his first term in office, Dayton earned the Core and Advanced Certifications from the Alabama League of Municipalities and had completed half the credit hours required for the prestigious Emeritus Certification. He participated in numerous meetings, trainings, and community activities throughout his service.
Dayton brought decades of professional experience to the role, having served more than 30 years as a franchise development executive, including leadership positions with Sunbelt Business Brokers, FranNet Franchise Consultants, Arby’s Restaurants, and Matco Tools.
Since moving to Foley in 2013, Dayton had been an active community leader, serving as president, vice president, and architectural review committee chair for the Lake View Estates Property Owners Association.
He was a graduate of the University of Cincinnati, where he earned a bachelor’s degree in science with a major in marketing and a minor in accounting. He went on to receive a master of business administration from Regent University, along with certifications from the International Business Brokers Association and the International Franchise Association.
In addition to his professional and civic service, Dayton volunteered at South Baldwin Medical Center.
Dayton and his wife, Judy, were married for 58 years. Together, they raised two sons and were proud grandparents of two grandchildren.