Billy to retire as district attorney Jan. 1

Escambia County (Ala.) District Attorney Steve Billy has filed his paperwork with Gov. Kay Ivey's office that he plans to retire at the end of the year.

Billy's current term as district attorney doesn't end until 2028, so by law the governor will appoint someone to fill his unexpired term.

"I made the decision to retire several years ago," Billy said. "I've got grandchildren I need to tend to and other things I'd like to do. I've got good health, grandsons and am looking forward to retirement."

Billy, 67, is a native of Brewton and a 1975 graduate of T.R. Miller High School in Brewton. After attending Jefferson Davis Community College and taking classes at Auburn University and the University of Alabama, he went to law school.

He graduated from the Jones School of Law of Faulkner University in Montgomery and was admitted to the Alabama Bar Association in 1998.

Billy began working in the district attorney's office under former District Attorney Mike Godwin while he was still in law school.

After graduating from law school, he was hired by Godwin as an assistant district attorney and ran for the position in 2004 and was elected and took office in January, 2005.

Since that time, Billy has run unopposed and is now in his second year of his fourth six-year term.

"I plan on retiring Jan. 1 and working through the end of the year," Billy said. "I've enjoyed my years serving as district attorney and working with a great staff over the years."

Gov. Ivey will appoint someone to fill Billy's term and the position is now open for applications.