A northwest Alabama city is grieving today after one of its councilmen killed himself Sunday afternoon.

Sheffield City Councilman Gary Scales died Sunday, March 11, 2018 after fatally shooting himself at home. Mayor Ian Sanford said Scales had been battling cancer.

Sheffield City Councilman Gary Scales fatally shot himself at his home, Mayor Ian Sanford told AL.com. Scales was 76. He had been battling cancer and recently underwent chemotherapy, the mayor said.

"He was part of our Sheffield family," Sanford said in a phone interview. "We send our genuine condolences to the family. Gary will be sorely missed. He was one of the good guys."

Scales had served on the council since being appointed in 2005. He represented the second of five council districts. He most recently won re-election in 2016. Sheffield is a Shoals-area city in Colbert County. It's home to about 9,000 people.

The mayor said Scales will be remembered as a "great guy" who enjoyed telling a joke. Sanford said Scales also was a terrific singer, sometimes performing along with his wife at their church, First Church of the Nazarene.

Sheffield Police Department would like to send our condolences, thoughts and prayers to the family of Gary Scales. Also pray for the citizens that Gary represented. Posted by Sheffield Police Department on Monday, March 12, 2018

Our hearts are broken this morning as we remember our friend, Sheffield Councilman Gary Scales. Thoughts and prayers for his family and friends and for the City of Sheffield. R.I.P. friend. Posted by Colbert Tourism on Monday, March 12, 2018