Mac Gipson, a businessman and state lawmaker who ran Alabama’s state liquor agency for more than a decade under two governors, has died.

“Mr. Gipson was a dedicated public servant whose impact on this agency and the State of Alabama will be felt for years to come,” Curtis Stewart, who succeeded Gipson as administrator of the Alcoholic Beverage Control Board, said in a statement.

“During his 12 years as the Administrator for the ABC Board he oversaw operations with over 800 employees and 168 stores, and he also served as a member of the National Alcohol Beverage Control Association (NABCA) in a variety of capacities.”

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Gov. Robert Bentley appointed Gipson as ABC Board administrator in 2011. Gov. Kay Ivey kept Gipson on the job when she became governor in 2017.

Gipson stayed on the job until December 2022, when he retired at age 87. Gipson, who had started working at age 13 at his father’s Standard Oil station in downtown Prattville, said he would have continued if not for health problems.

“Along the line I’ve tried golf,” Gipson said. “Tried hunting. I just didn’t have any hobbies. I enjoyed working.”

Gipson was born in Camden in 1935 and served in the Army.

He started a tire business in Prattville in 1981, Gipson Tire Pros, that he later sold to his sons.

Gipson was elected to the Alabama House of Representatives in 1994 and served four terms.

“Our deepest sympathies go out to his family, friends, and all those who had the pleasure of getting to know him,” Stewart said.