William (Bill) Byron Israel

Bill is survived by his wife of 35 years, Linnea, daughters Sarah Rochelle Israel Levey (Jordan), Julia Robinson Israel Vaughn (Cory), and Christian Austin Linnea Israel; brothers John Roy Israel III (Miko), Charles Wesley Israel (Linda) and sister Sarah Elizabeth Israel Ratliff (Bill). He was proceeded in death by his parents John Roy Israel, Jr. and Sarah Elizabeth Griffith Israel and is survived by Edna Riddle Israel, widow of John Roy Israel, Jr. Bill was a loving father, husband, uncle and friend to all.

After graduating from Rhodes College with distinction, Bill became the youngest car dealer in the nation in 1982 with his acquisition of Adamson Ford. He served as the Owner/Operator of both Adamson Ford and Adamson West. Bill was a member of the Top 40 Under 40 Class, served as a president of the Better Business Bureau as well as the Birmingham Auto Dealers Association. He also was co-owner of Byron Hill Show Jumpers, an equestrian business based in Ocala, Florida.

Bill had an affinity for coaching and developing young people in both sports and in life. His passion for coaching ranged from Little League T-Ball to High School AAU Basketball, competing at the state and regional level. Bill served as a mentor to many and impacted countless lives through his love for coaching and business mentoring.

Bill was also an avid sportsman - he loved skiing with his ski group, kayaking and even competed in the Georgia State Games Master’s Competition; placing high enough to advance to the Senior Olympic Games in Track and Field.

Services for the Celebration of Life will be held at St Peter’s Anglican Church in Mountain Brook at 11:00 am on Tuesday July 25.

A special thanks to The Reverend Dr. Mark Quay, The Right Reverend Dr. William Wilson, and The Reverend Deacon Karen Mahler for conducting Bill’s Celebration of Life Service. The family would like to additionally thank the loyal staff and employees of Adamson Ford and Adamson West.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Alabama Lyme Disease Association, St Peter’s Anglican Church, or a charity of your choice.

If you would like to share any special memories of Bill with the family, then please send your stories to [email protected].