Former Bessemer City Schools Superintendent Fred Primm Jr., a longtime educational administrator and leader in Alabama, has died.

Primm died on Jan. 19. He was 57.

“It was very shocking for us to lose Dr. Primm,” said Wardine Alexander, a former member of the Birmingham City Schools Board of Education. “He was a mentor for so many people.”

Primm was known for his grace and kindness, she said.

“He was such a quiet, gentle giant,” she said. “He advocated for students and families.”

Primm started as a teacher and coach for Baldwin County High School from 1993-96, then became assistant principal at Bay Minette Middle School from 1996-2000.

He worked a year as a special services administrator for the State Department of Education in Montgomery, then served as human resources supervisor for Baldwin County Schools from 2001-2004.

He became superintendent of the Sumter County Schools from 2005-2011 before moving to Bessemer City Schools. Since 2013, he had worked as an educational consultant.

“Dr. Primm was a true servant leader, and he led in every aspect of his life,” U.S. Rep. Terri Sewell said in a statement read into the Congressional Record on Feb. 1.

“He made his commitment to serving others his life’s top priority, and serve he did. Our community and the lives of his students are the better because of him.”

Primm, a graduate of Alabama A&M University, was also a Naval Reservist and adjunct professor at the University of West Alabama from 2007-2012.

“He was a much beloved friend and educator,” said Birmingham City Council member Carol Clarke, who introduced a resolution of sympathy that was adopted by the council.

Visitation will be Friday, Feb. 2, from 1 to 5 p.m. at Bushelon Funeral Home, 800 14th St. S.W., in Birmingham.