Radney established a law office in Alexander City, the largest city in the area and the county seat of Tallapoosa County, Alabama. He had a legal practice both civil and criminal encompassing several surrounding counties. He also served as a municipal judge in Alexander City. Radley also served as President of the Board of Trustees at Alabama State University and of the Alexander City Chamber of Commerce, as well as on the boards of trustees or directors of Huntington College, Carraway Methodist Hospital in Birmingham, and Russell Medical Center and the First Methodist Church in Alexander City. Radney was also active in the American Legion, Junior Chamber of Commerce, Kiwanis Club of Alexander City, Elks Lodge, and Masons. A progressive Democrat, Radney became President of the Tallapoosa County Young Democrats, and won election to the Alabama State Senate in 1966. He served from 1967 until 1971. However, his progressive policies and support for John F. Kennedy during Massive Resistance in Alabama, particularly during the 1968 Democratic National Convention in Chicago caused death threats against his family, and Radney announced he would not seek further elective office to protect their safety. This drew attention to racial politics in the South, and Radney decided to run for Lieutenant Governor of Alabama in 1970, but lost the runoff election, and returned to his legal practice. He remained active in his political party, as a mentor to younger politicians as well as a long time member of the Alabama Democratic Executive Committee. On January 16, 2003, Alabama governor Don Siegelman declared "Tom Radley Day" and dozens of prominent Democrats attended Radley's receipt of the declaration, including former senator Howell Heflin and former congressman Ronnie Flippo. Radley had championed a rule which prevented candidates from running as a Democrat who had not supported the party's nominees in the previous four years.". He cherished the nickname "Mr. Alabama Democrat", particularly after Governor George Wallace left the party.
Death and legacy
Radney died after a long illness, but before celebrating his golden wedding anniversary. He was survived by his widow, four children and multiple grandchildren.
