R. B. Searcy

R. B. "Speck" Searcy
62nd[1] Mayor of Huntsville
In office
1952–1964
Preceded by Alex W. McAllister
Succeeded by Glenn Hearn
Personal details
Born January 8, 1901(1901-01-08)
Huntsville, Alabama
Died December 22, 1967(1967-12-22) (aged 66)
Huntsville, Alabama
Spouse(s) Annie Mae Terry
Alma mater University of Alabama
Profession Salesman
Religion Presbyterian

Robert Benjamin "R.B." or "Speck" Searcy, Jr. (January 8, 1901 – December 22, 1967) served as mayor of Huntsville, Alabama from 1952 to 1964, making him the third-longest serving mayor there.

He was the mayor of Huntsville when President Dwight D. Eisenhower established the George C. Marshall Space Flight Center at Redstone Arsenal in Huntsville, Alabama as the home for the National Aeronautics and Space Administration NASA on July 1, 1960. The center became the civilian base for Dr. Wernher von Braun who was the center's first Director, presiding from July 1960 to February 1970.

References

  1. ^ Before 1916, the office was known as "President." Searcy was the 6th to hold the title of "Mayor."
Preceded by
Alex W. McAllister
Mayor of Huntsville, Alabama
1952—1964
Succeeded by
Glenn Hearn