William J Lafoy

Funeral services will be at 2:00 pm Saturday, June 17, 2023 at Rice’s Valley Baptist Church with Bro. Sam Delaney officiating. Visitation will be one hour prior to the service at the church. Burial will follow at Memory Hill Gardens.

He was preceded in death by his parents, John and Grace LaFoy, brother Franklin(Buddy) LaFoy, and granddaughter Hannah Shields.

Survivors include his wife, Doris LaFoy, son Eddie(Linda) LaFoy, two daughters, Debby(Hank)Hagler and Lisa(Tommy) Shields. Ten grandchildren: Angie Wallace Turner, Adam Wallace, Meagan LaFoy, Luke Hagler, Ryan LaFoy, Logan Hagler, Matthew Shields, Faith Shields, Andrew Shields and Garrett Hagler. Fifteen great grandchildren, sister Patsy Christopher, many nieces, nephews, and cousins, three brothers-in-law, and four sisters-in-law.

He was born on July 20, 1937, and was raised in the LaFoy community on what is now Lary Lake Rd. He later moved to 18th St. in Tuscaloosa where he met and married the girl next door. He and Doris were married for 68 years.

Before marrying the love of his life, he worked at City Cafe and Perry’s Creamery. Once he married, he went to work for The Tuscaloosa News as production manager for 39 years. He traveled a lot for The News and had been to at least seven states and Canada on business, and seven others for pleasure with family, along with four mission trips to Belize, Brazil, Wisconsin, and South Carolina, with his side kick, Ralph Lunsford. He had a heart for missions and spreading the gospel. He also opened his own business, J&L Sign Co., with his brother-in-law, which he owned for seven years.

After retiring from The News, he decided retiring was for “the birds”, and started painting, which he did for 23 years. He was a hard working man and didn’t believe in sitting idle. He served his church, that he and his wife joined in 1955, where he was ordained as a deacon in 1958. He was the song director and treasurer for 24 years. He loved his church and the three pastors he served with. He loved coffee, coffee, & more coffee, and Krispy Kreme doughnuts. His hobbies were deep sea fishing, bowling, and grilling. His passions were handing out gospel tracs door to door, reading/studying God’s Word, and singing. He sang in a gospel quartet for many years, and wrote and published his own hymn.

He loved his Lord with all his heart, and is now with Him. He loved his wife and children dearly. He will be missed forever and we all can’t wait to see him again!

Pallbearers will be his grandsons: Adam Wallace, Ryan LaFoy, Logan Hagler, Matthew Shields, Andrew Shields, and Garrett Hagler.

Honorary Pallbearers are Buck Ellison, Dr. Broughton, DCH 7th floor nurses and staff, former co-workers of the Tuscaloosa News, friends and neighbors of Northwood Lake, all deacons he has served with at Rice’s Valley Baptist Church, Pastor Sam Delaney, and members of Rice’s Valley Baptist Church.