By NEAL WAGNER / Managing Editor

MONTGOMERY – A Shelby County pharmacist was in the first class ever inducted into the Alabama Pharmacy Hall of Fame earlier this month, earning praise for his hard work and dedication to the trade.

Anthony J. Brooklere, who operates pharmacies in Alabaster and Adamsville, was one of 23 pharmacists from across the state inducted into the Hall of Fame on June 22 at the Alabama Pharmacy Association annual convention and trade show in Destin, Fla.

“Anthony Brooklere has, by his work and accomplishments, brought honor to the profession of pharmacy,” APA Executive Director Louise Jones wrote in a statement. “He is a part of the legacy of independent pharmacy in Alabama.”

Brooklere was born and raised in Birmingham. He graduated from Auburn in 1958, and has been practicing pharmacy for more than 56 years. He and his wife, Sara Jean, have two children, both pharmacists. He and son Johnny own and operate Brooklere Pharmacy, which is off Alabama 119 in Alabaster, and Adamsville Pharmacy.

Anthony Brooklere has held several offices in the Alabama Pharmacy Association, and previously served as president of the Jefferson County Pharmacists Association. He has served on the advisory council for Auburn University’s School of Pharmacy as well as the State Board of Pharmacy, including a year as president.

He is a founding member and past president of American Pharmacy Cooperative, Inc., is a charter member of the Forestdale Lions Club with 53 years of perfect attendance, served on the Adamsville City Council and is a past president of the Forestdale Merchants Association.

Brooklere’s military service is filled with honors, including membership in the Scabbard and Blade National Military Honor Society and as an honor graduate of the School of Military Medicine and Surgery. Commissioned second lieutenant in Army artillery and guided missiles, he also served as assistant commander of Brooke Army Medical Center in Texas.