William Putney

William “Bill” Henry Putney, age 92, of Birmingham, Alabama, passed away peacefully at home on August 10, 2025. Bill was born on May 3, 1933, in East Andover, New Hampshire, to the late Charles Henry and Elizabeth MacNutt Putney. After graduating from Andover High School in 1950, he attended the University of New Hampshire where he earned a degree in chemistry. After college, he served in the United States Army for two years before moving his young family to Birmingham, Alabama to begin his career in sales. He raised his family in Birmingham and spent a few years in Mobile, working and sailing along the Intracoastal Waterway. He met his beloved wife Shirley in 1986, and they were married in 1992. He lived in Cullman until Shirley’s passing in 2013 when he moved back to Birmingham to be closer to his daughter and grandchildren.

Bill was the pillar of his family and was known for his kindness, patience, and quiet strength. Throughout his life, he was an avid sailor, carpenter, golfer, reader, and birdwatcher. His hands and mind were constantly busy, and he was always working on a project. Despite enough grief and loss for several lifetimes, he maintained a positive outlook on life and made the most of every moment. He was the epitome of grace and would often say, “Everyone does just about the best they can.”

Bill is survived by his daughter, Melissa Putney Hooker, and grandchildren, William Patrick Hooker (Ciara) and Emily Jeanne Hooker. He was preceded in death by his three sons: William Henry Putney, Jr., Christopher Lawson Putney, and Martin Eric Putney; his first wife, Jeanne Martin Putney; his second wife, Shirley Ratliff Putney; his brother, Fred Ellsworth Putney; and his sister, Louise Putney Remington.

A small graveside service will be held at Mt. Tabor Cemetery in Blountsville on August 22nd at 10 am. The cemetery sign is located 5.9 miles east of Highway 31 from Garden City on the Roland Johnson Parkway (Highway 26).