Roy Williamson Williams Jr., longtime attorney for the City of Cullman, died Saturday, Dec. 13, at his home after a long battle with cancer. He was 78.
Williams was born on December 8, 1947, in Birmingham, to Dr. Roy and Lucile Gentry Williams.
A member of Cullman High School’s Class of 1966, Williams attended Auburn University and St. Bernard College where he earned a degree in business. He continued his education at the University of Alabama and the Birmingham School of Law earning his law degree in 1976.
A civic-minded resident of the City of Cullman, Williams established himself early as an attorney with a desire to serve his community when, in 1976, he was appointed prosecutor for the City of Cullman where he also served as Assistant City Attorney, until 1981.
During the next 40-plus years, Williams, with law partner Billy Jackson built a thriving law practice in Cullman, but he always remained a dedicated public servant.
Williams held positions on numerous public works boards and he worked with organizations that sought to care for those in need and to protect children. He was a founding member of Pilot Light Home, a residence for abused and neglected children, he served on the Christmas Love Board of Directors, and Brooks Place, the Child Advocacy Center.
Williams also served as attorney for the Cullman County Commission, Industrial Board, Housing Authority, E-911 Board, VAW Water System, Mayor Council Association of Cullman County and several municipalities including: Fairview, Garden City, South Vinemont and Holly Pond. He also served as Special Assistant Attorney General for the State of Alabama.
But it was his work with the City of Cullman that held a special place in his heart.
From his tireless efforts advocating for city utility customers in the courts, to his continuous presence at council meetings ready to clarify government policy and procedures, Williams was a constant source of knowledge and guidance for the City of Cullman for the last 25 years, until his retirement in October 2025, saying it had been the best part of his practice… working with the council and serving the “fine people of Cullman.”
Williams was preceded in death by his parents and sister, Nina Williams.
Survivors include his wife of 47 years, Carole Richter Williams; children, Kristina (Pat) Kelly of Pearl, Mississippi, Jess Williams of Urbana, Illinois and Marie Williams of Cullman; siblings, The Honorable (retired) Martha (Bill McCartney) Williams and Dr. Dan (Tammie) Williams of Cullman; grandchildren, Lieutenant Lilian (Staff Sergeant Austin Boucher, U.S. Army) Kelly Boucher, U.S. Navy of Honolulu, Hawaii, and William Colc Kelly of Pearl, Mississippi; nephew, Bain (Kandice) Adams; and nieces, Katie (Mike) Clemmons, Lucy (Rich Desruisseau) Lavender, Evan Williams, Hanna Williams, Amanda Shavers, Megan Shavers and Kallista Shavers.
Visitation will be Monday, Dec. 22, 2025, at Moss Service Funeral Home, from 11 a.m. until funeral services at 1 p.m. with James Fields officiating. Burial will follow at Cullman City Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, please donate to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital (stjude.org/donate).
Moss Service Funeral Home directing.
