Joseph "Joe" Scott Williams

Montevallo resident Joseph "Joe" Scott Williams, who was born September 27, 1946, in Guntersville, Alabama, died July 21, 2026. A memorial service will be held at University Baptist Church, 200 Shoshone Drive, Montevallo, Alabama 35115, on Sunday, July 26, 2026, at 3:00 pm, with visitation to begin at 2:00 pm. Rev. Chuck Strong will officiate.

Growing up in Guntersville, AL, as the second child of four and the son of a small business owner, a strong work ethic was instilled in him from an early age. He was a star basketball player throughout high school and moved on to play at Snead College and then Samford University. After graduation, he married his sweetheart Mary Lou Elder and settled in Birmingham. He first worked in accounting before moving to the automobile industry.

Joe and Mary Lou raised two daughters, Beth and Scottie, and stayed on the road with soccer, basketball, and horse shows through their growing-up years.

In March of 1993, he and Mary Lou purchased land and an old farmhouse in Montevallo. They moved to Montevallo full-time in May of 1995, living in the farmhouse until they built their forever home on the property.

Even after his retirement from Royal Automotive after 40-plus years, he kept a small client base that he served. And he took on many more volunteer responsibilities in Montevallo.

He and Mary Lou joined University Baptist Church in 2003 and he served in many roles through the years. He served as the finance chair, as well as the treasurer. For more than 20 years, he ensured the day-to-day bills of the church were paid. He also oversaw facilities at University Baptist Church. Prior to the closing of UBC’s PreK, he managed the finances and oversaw the expansion of the PreK from one classroom to two, which allowed the PreK to serve double the number of children. Of course, along with the big “stuff,” he also managed the “little” things, such as making sure the grass was cut and the dumpster was emptied.

Joe chaired the Advisory Council for the Boys and Girls Club for many years, always going above and beyond when it came to fundraising and volunteering. He volunteered countless hours of his own time to represent the club at various events and assist in community outreach. He made valuable, genuine connections with individuals who saw him as much a part of the club as any staff member. He always made an effort to serve and fill any need that arose.

Joe also served on the Parnell Library Foundation, and within the Board, he served as Head of the Finance Committee. He provided the Finance Committee with sound financial advice, keeping track of committee budgets, investments of the Foundation, and all things financial for the operation of the Foundation on behalf of the Parnell Library.

Joe was a supporter of Montevallo by assisting every year with the Montevallo Chamber Golf Tournament and serving on the Tinglewood Festival Committee.

Joe’s dedication to Montevallo made him a perfect choice when he was named Montevallo Civic Leader of the Year for 2024.

Joe’s devotion to his family was unmatched. He was regularly seen at various community and school events supporting his precious granddaughter Mary Elizabeth.

Joe was preceded in death by his wife, Mary Lou Williams; his parents, Bryan and Inez Williams; his brother, Bryan Lee Williams; and his grandson, Joseph Michael House. He is survived by his daughters, Beth House (Mike) and Scottie English; granddaughter, Mary Elizabeth House; brother, Mickey Williams (Nancy); sister, Peggy Williams; sisters-in-law, Lea Ann Webb (Jim) and Cathy Williams; and several nieces and nephews.

Memorials may be made to University Baptist Church, 200 Shoshone Drive, Montevallo, AL 35115; The Boys and Girls Club, 420 Vine Street, Montevallo, AL 35115; or Parnell Memorial Library Foundation at www.parnellmemoriallibrary.org/foundation.