The City of Foley is deeply saddened to share the passing of Councilman Richard “Dick” Dayton, who died peacefully on Thursday, Aug. 21, surrounded by his family.
Elected to the Foley City Council in 2020, Councilman Dayton was a dedicated public servant who gave generously of his time and energy to the community he loved. He was a familiar face at countless meetings and civic events, always eager to listen, participate, and serve.
Mayor Ralph Hellmich reflected on his service:
“It is with profound sadness that I share the news of the passing of our dear friend and colleague, Councilman Richard ‘Dick’ Dayton. Councilman Dayton served our city with unwavering dedication and passion. He truly cared for all City employees. Just a couple of weeks ago, after his final council meeting, he told me that serving Foley was ‘the greatest job he ever had.’ His love for our community and its people was truly remarkable.”
During his term, Councilman Dayton earned Core and Advanced Certifications from the Alabama League of Municipalities and had already completed half of the credit hours required for the Emeritus Certification. His commitment to learning and professional growth reflected his desire to serve Foley to the very best of his ability.
Councilman Dayton brought decades of leadership and professional experience to his role. He served more than 30 years in franchise development, holding executive positions with Sunbelt Business Brokers and FranNet Franchise Consultants, and earlier leadership roles with Arby’s Restaurants and Matco Tools.
After moving to Foley in 2013, he quickly became an active member of the community, serving as president, vice president, and chairman of the architectural review committee for the Lake View Estates Property Owners Association. He also volunteered at South Baldwin Medical Center.
A proud graduate of the University of Cincinnati, Councilman Dayton earned a bachelor’s degree in marketing and accounting, an MBA from Regent University, and several professional certifications in franchise development and business brokerage.
Above all, he was a family man. He and his wife Judy shared 58 years together, raising two sons and cherishing two grandchildren.
The City of Foley extends our deepest condolences to Judy, their sons, and the entire Dayton family. We are grateful for Councilman Dayton’s service, his friendship, and his lasting impact on our community.