Born on June 29, 1938, to Everett & Delphine Fountain, he was the eldest of 3 children.
His years growing up were spent on the Hupa Indian Reservation in Northern California, where he learned and lived in the traditional ways of the Hupa people. Later on in his life, his grandchildren would listen for many hours to stories of his lifestyle and the differences in the cultures that shaped his life.
He will be remembered as a beloved Papa whose laughter and joy could be heard anytime he was in the presence of those he loved. His days were filled with lots of laughter and planning their next adventure!
He and his wife Ruby celebrated 69 years of marriage this year. All those years were spent watching their kids' and grandchildren’s sporting events of every kind, from Rodeo to Jr. Olympics and all the grade school, high school, and college sports possible. He was the #1 fan of all of them. In their early years of marriage, they spent almost every moment riding horses and roping with his kids. They also looked forward to the yearly trek of taking the cattle from the Fountain Ranch to summer pastures in the surrounding mountains.
William is preceded in death by his parents, Everett & Delphine Fountain, his brother Bryce Fountain, his sister Colleen McCullough & son-in-law Buddy Vail.
He is survived by his wife, Ruby; daughters: Sherry Ward (Dan), Pam Nichols (Nicky), Colette Livingston (Tom), Jaclyn Lemley (Barry); son, Robert Fountain (Dewana); as well as 12 grandchildren, 32 great-grandchildren and 12 great-great-grandchildren.
Visitation will be held at East McFarland Baptist Church, 6007 McFarland Blvd E, Tuscaloosa, AL 35405 on November 14, 2026, from 10:00 am to 11:00 am.
The funeral service will follow at 11:00 am
Burial will be at Memory Hill Gardens `
