William Jimmy Fuller

A Birmingham native, Jim was truly a people person through and through. He loved talking with and getting to know people from all walks of life. He never met a stranger, and he could command a room with his big smile and booming greeting. That is one of the many remarkable qualities that made him such a great mentor, coach, teammate, and friend. Jim’s love and passion for football would lead him to play tackle for the University of Alabama under legendary coach Paul “Bear” Bryant. He played on back-to-back National Championship teams in 1964 and 1965, as well as a third undefeated SEC championship team in 1966. His continued love for the game would lead him to Jacksonville State University, first as an assistant, and then as head coach from 1977-1983. In 1984, he returned to Alabama to become the offensive line coach under Ray Perkins, and he served as the interim coach when Perkins left. He remained in Tuscaloosa for 13 years as an assistant coach under Bill Curry and Gene Stallings. While coaching under Stallings, Jim and the Tide captured an additional National Championship in 1992. Jim later returned to Jacksonville State University in 2003, where he served as athletic director until his retirement in 2008. Despite retirement, Jim could never resist the urge to watch and coach football from the couch on Saturdays.

Jim was preceded in death by his parents, Walter W. Fuller and Mae Cork Fuller, and by his brother Jerry Fuller (Judi). He is survived by his wife Marilyn, daughters Kim Craven (Chris) and Kathy Helms (Stephen), stepson Mike Rowell (Joanna), stepdaughter Heather Clancy (Jim) and grandchildren Drew Craven, Anna Bean (Dalton), Courtney Craven, Caroline Craven, Hayden Helms and Emma Helms, Elizabeth Rowell, Robert Rowell, Eve Rowell, Madelyn Clancy and Michael Clancy.

A celebration of life service for Jim will be held on October 4, 2021, at the Church of the Highlands at 721 Rice Mine Road NE, Tuscaloosa, Alabama 35406. Visitation is from 1 – 2 pm with the service to follow. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the Alzheimer’s Association at www.alz.org.

Masks are respectfully encouraged.