Byars sees bigger calling as judge

County Commissioner Stratt Byars said the decision not to run for his District 1 seat wasn’t easy, but he believes he can help the county more through the Probate Judge’s position.
“The Probate Judge’s office touches every life in Franklin County,” he said.
“Because the Probate Judge serves as judge of the probate court and also as chairman of the county commission, the duties are varied and many.”
Byars was first elected to public office in 2008 when he was elected to serve as the Commissioner for District 1.
He is a 1981 graduate of Russellville High School and has a B.S. degree in business management from the University of North Alabama. He worked as a manager at Rogers Department Store in Muscle Shoals until 1992. Since then, he has been self-employed in agri-business, real estate and retail sales.
Byars is currently president of the Russellville Civitan Club and is past president of the Y.E.S. Foundation, a non-profit group organized to benefit youth, employment and seniors. He is also a long time member of the Franklin County Cattlemen’s Association.
He said that his experience as county commissioner has prepared him for the probate judge’s position.
“When the next probate judge assumes office, I will have assisted in preparing four county budgets and will have been a part of adopting policy and managing Franklin County’s business for four years,” he said.
“It is important that when you choose a probate judge, you give every consideration to someone who is experienced and qualified, to someone who is fair and to someone who can make tough decisions. I can do the job.”
Byars is married to the former Connie Carr and has three children, Stratt, Anna and Conner. The Byars family lives in the Saints Crossroads Community and they attend First Baptist Church, Russellville.