CONTRIBUTED BY THE OFFICE OF JERE COLLEY
LEE COUNTY —
Lee County attorney Jere Colley Jr. has announced he will seek the upcoming vacant judgeship for Lee County Probate Judge.
“After prayer and discussion with my family, I am excited to offer myself for public service as a first-time candidate,” Colley said. “Former Probate Judge Hal Smith, and current Probate Judge Bill English, have left some big shoes to fill and I look forward to building on the great service that these men rendered.”
Colley was born and raised in Lee County. He has been married to Sarah for 21 years, and they have two adult children, Ray and Trip. The Colleys reside in Opelika where they raise miniature donkeys. Their family enjoys mountain biking and camping across the South. Colley has coached his children in baseball, football and mountain biking. Colley was one of the founders of All-Pro Dads in Lee County and directed the program at Yarborough Elementary for seven years. He is a past board member of East Alabama Youth for Christ, The Big House and East Alabama Services for the Elderly Foundation. Colley is a current board member of Mercy Medical and is current president of the Alabama Cycling Association Board of Directors.
The Colleys are members of First Baptist Church Opelika (FBCO), along with his parents Dr. Jere and Judy Colley, and sisters Casey (Heath) Stewart and Tipi (Wes) Miller. Colley has served on the deacon body at FBCO.
After graduating from Opelika High School, Colley went on to attend Samford University, where he received his Bachelor of Science degree in Business Administration. While attending Samford University he spent summers doing mission work in Costa Rica and Bangladesh. He earned his Juris Doctorate at Thomas G. Jones School of Law. After receiving his law degree Colley became Lee County’s first Family Court clerk under Circuit Court Judge Richard Lane.
Twelve years ago, Colley was appointed by Circuit Court Judge Mike Fellows, to preside over Juvenile and Child Support cases. In addition, Colley has taken on a multitude of capacities in Probate Court under English including Adoptions, Probate of Wills, Mental Health Commitments along with Conservatorships, Guardianships.
The Alabama Primary Election is scheduled for March 5, 2024.