Steve was born and raised in Moline, Illinois. In 1968, he came to Tuscaloosa to play football for the Crimson Tide. He played 1968-1971, lettering 3 years. He went on to play for the WFL in Birmingham, then to Canada to play for the Winnipeg Bombers. He loved the game, but even more he loved the lifelong brotherhood that came with it.
He went on to become a PE teacher and to Coach middle and high school football predominantly, but also track, basketball, and golf. He loved coaching, but winning wasn’t his greatest measure of success. His greatest desire was to be a positive, lasting influence on his players. He was a kind, loving man of God with a tender heart, yet an unmistakable strength. Strong enough to lead, guide, protect, and persevere, yet gentle and humble enough to listen, care, and encourage.
He also served as minister of music for many years. He loved music, and it was an important part of who he was. He had a beautiful singing voice and loved to sing and lead choir.
He loved the Lord and loved all his family. He loved family gatherings and watching his grandchildren, nieces, and nephews in sporting events.
Whenever his family got together, he kept us entertained with his hilarious stories, dancing, and entertaining us. He is deeply loved by his family and will be deeply missed.
He is preceded in death by his father, Ernie Williams; mother, Virginia Williams; and stepdaughter, Holly Rogers.
He is survived by his wife, Danette Lanceford Williams of Vestavia Hills, AL; his daughter, Amber Long; his son, Steven Williams (Hannah) of Tuscaloosa, AL; son, Jake Rogers (Allison) of Homewood, AL; grandchildren, Jack Miles, Ellen and Benji Rogers, Noah and Ava Long; sisters, Rita Moore, Abberille, AL and Melody Williams of Gordo, AL; brothers, Don “Speedy” Williams (Christine) of Moline, IL and Chris Williams of Tuscaloosa, AL and a whole host of nieces, nephews and in laws he adored.
A Celebration of Life service will be held at 11:00 am on Wednesday, September 2, 2026, at Memory Chapel Funeral Home, with Pastor Randy Fuller officiating. Burial will follow in Memory Hill Gardens.
Serving as pallbearers: David Livingston, Sam Lockhart, Isaac Williams, Jordan Chestnut, Taylor Goodall, and JohnTodd Livingston.
Honorary pallbearers are 1968-1971 Alabama Football Players
ALL former players of Coach Williams, Gene and Georgia Brasher, and Rich and Amy Kleuver
Visitation will be held Tuesday, September 1, 2026, from 6-8:00 pm at Memory Chapel Funeral Home.
