Former Shelby County Sheriff James Franklin “Buddy” Glasgow, 71, has died.

Glasgow, of Calera, was surrounded by family during his final hours, said information released by Charter Funeral Home.

Glasgow was elected sheriff in 1978, a position he held until 1990.

Current Shelby County Sheriff Chris Curry shared fond memories of Glasgow, as he explained the former sheriff’s dedication to serving his community.

“He looked like what a sheriff should look like. He was a big, strong man who was here when the county’s tremendous growth took off,” Curry said. “He actually OK’d me coming into law enforcement as a reserve deputy in 1980.

“He was personable, likeable man who grew up here and served this county well,” Curry added. “He did a lot of things that benefited the people here, which ended up strengthening the whole county.”

Because Glasgow was the sheriff during a time of rapid growth in Shelby County, he played a major role in the county’s development, Curry said.

“There is no question that the tremendous growth in the county in the 1970s and ‘80s was unprecedented,” Curry said. “He had a great responsibility, and he did a great job with it.”

Glasgow was born and raised in the Siluria community and was a lifelong resident of Shelby County. He was a graduate of Thompson High School.

Glasgow served for two years in the U.S. Army and continued his military service in the 20th division of the Special Forces. He worked for several years as an Alabaster police officer before taking a position with the Shelby County Sheriff’s Department.

Following his years as Shelby County sheriff, Glasgow served as police chief in Calera. He retired in 1998.

Visitation is Tuesday from 6 to 8 p.m. at Calera Baptist Church. A funeral service is planned for Wednesday, Feb. 10, at 11 a.m. at the church.

A full Masonic Graveside service will follow at Shelby Memorial Gardens. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Glasgow’s honor to the Calera Baptist Church or North Shelby Baptist Church.