Former Alabama Insurance Commissioner Michael "Mickey" DeBellis died at his Greenville home on November 15, 2005. He was 77. DeBellis served as commissioner under Govs. George C. Wallace and Fob James, and was well-known for his advocacy for the legislation requiring insurance providers to take continuing education courses.

Joining the state's department of insurance in 1973, DeBellis worked in a variety of positions, including investigator, consumer specialist, legislative affairs director, deputy commissioner and assistant commissioner.

Governor Wallace appointed DeBellis as commissioner in 1986 and he served a year until the end of Wallace's administration in 1987. DeBellis stepped down, working elsewhere in the department until appointed again by Governor James. He served only three years, and left the office on his 70th birthday. He remained a senior adviser to the insurance commissioner until 1998.