William Carl Hassell

William was born in Tuscaloosa, Alabama to Reuben Pruitt Hassell and Dimple Lewis Hassell, He is predeceased by his parents, his brothers, Lewis and Joe Hassell, his infant son, his wife, Sue Self Hassell, mother of his children, and his wife of over 50 years, Charlotte “Bonnie” Hassell.

He is survived by his sister, Tenza Housel, daughters, Lynda Sue Newman and Laura Bryan (David), grandchildren Kenny Hewitt (Tina), Kathy Douthit (Butch), Will Bryan, Terry Bryan (Mary-Claire); great grandson, Trey Douthit and numerous beloved friends, cousins, nieces and nephews.

The family will receive friends at Ridout's Valley Chapel on Friday, May 3, 2019 beginning at 9 am with the funeral service at 10am with a reception following in Edgewood Parlor. Burial will be at Alabama National Cemetery at 1:15 pm with military honors.

William graduated from Holt High School in Holt, Alabama and enrolled in Howard College, now Samford University, where he studied Pharmacy. Shortly before graduation he enlisted in the Marine V-12 program as a Marie Officer Candidate and was assigned to Millsaps College in Jackson, Mississippi. Following his service in WWII he returned to Howard College and graduated from pharmacy school in 1947.

He remained in the Marine Corp Reserve and in December, 1950 he was recalled to active duty during the Korean War as a Marine Corp Recruiter in Nashville, Tennessee, where he was promoted to Captain.

He began working at Birmingham Apothecary in 1947 and purchased the pharmacy in 1959. He worked there until he retired in 1988.

William was a member of Pi Kappa Phi fraternity. He was a pharmacist for over 50 years and was granted one of the last lifetime pharmacy licenses. He was past president of the Jefferson County Pharmaceutical Association.

He was a member of East Lake United Methodist Church for 72 years. He was a member of the Brotherhood Sunday School class, past president of the administrative board and past member of the board of trustees.

Prior to, and for years following, retirement he engaged in growing showcase roses, earning accolades from the Birmingham Beautification Board. He had the distinction of having a permanent wrought iron sign mounted in his front yard designating his yard as a member of the Birmingham Beautification Board. He loved sharing his beautiful roses with others.

He lived at St. Martin’s In the Pines for the past 17 years and made many close friends there.

We are grateful to the entire staff at The Arbors and The Cottages, The Reverend Jennifer Riddle and The Reverend Deacon Kaki O’Flinn. In the final days the kind people at Compassus Hospice were our guides down an unfamiliar path. Our gratitude to everyone who has provided love and care is immeasurable.

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In lieu of flowers, memorial gifts may be sent to East Lake United Methodist Church, 7753 1st Avenue South, Birmingham, AL 35206; St. Martin’s In The Pines Friends Fund, 4941 Montevallo Road, Birmingham, AL. 35210; or your favorite charity.