William R. Foutch

William R. Foutch, Jr. 86 of Hazel Green, Al. passed away at home with family, after a courageous battle with cancer. He lived a life of service to others. He was born in Smithville, Tennessee October 11, 1935. His parents both educators were William R. Foutch, Sr. and Martha Keith Foutch. They preceded him in death. He married the love of his life, Wanda Parvin Foutch. They would have celebrated 62 years together June 25.

      William was a graduate of Hazel Green High School class of 1953. After graduating from high school, he attended Middle Tennessee State University and graduated with a Master of Arts Degree. He also received an Educational Specialist Degree from the University of Alabama, Tuscaloosa. He began his teaching career as a math teacher at Rison Junior High School and later taught at Lee High School and Lexington High School. He became a school principal at the age of 25 at Big Cove where he was not only the principal but a teacher and basketball coach. He also served as principal at Madison Junior High School and New Hope High School before moving to the Madison County Board of Education’s Central office where he served as the Director of Business Affairs. He continued to work at that position until his retirement in 1987. It was during his time in the central office that he fulfilled his desire to continue working with youth by serving in leadership at Fern Bell Park in Huntsville, Alabama. After retiring in Alabama, he missed his first love so much he returned to teaching in Tennessee for several years.  During his college years William became involved in the United States Naval Reserves. He retired with 29 years of service. He was a member of the Jaycees, the Civitan Club, and a Master Mason. He is a member of a lineage organization the Sons of the American Revolution. William was listed in the Who’s Who in Alabama and Personalities of the South. In 1971 he received the honor of Outstanding Young Educator of Alabama. William enjoyed working hard but for relaxation he was never happier than spending time with his children and grandchildren at their lake house (Linger Longer), boating and water skiing. His joy was to teach everyone to swim and ski. He worshipped at First Baptist Church of Meridianville where he served on several committees, served as a deacon and taught a class of 5-year olds for ten years. 

William’s celebration of life will be held Monday, June 20 at Spry Funeral Home in Huntsville, AL. Visitation will be held from 12:00 to 1:30 with the funeral service following in the chapel at 1:30 with Dr. Tommy Bolan and Brother David Hutto officiating. Burial will be at 3:00 at Huntsville Memory Garden Cemetery.

     He is survived by his wife Wanda Parvin Foutch, children: Melanie Foutch Morrison (Jim), William Foutch III, Jason Neil Foutch (Paige) and seven grandchildren: Dr. Jay Morrison (Danielle), Zachary Morrison, Alexia Gleason (Colin), Taylor Foutch, Jessica Morales (Kyle), Aaden Foutch and Dylan Foutch, his sister, Dr. Billie Breedlove of Batesville, Mississippi, and several nieces and nephews. In addition to his parents he was preceded in death by two sisters, Jo Doris Foutch Sewell, (Forrest); Bettye Delano Foutch Benson (Rayford) and his brother, Wiley Elmo Foutch (Dot Foutch).

     Grandsons will serve as pallbearers: Aaden Foutch, Dylan Foutch, Colin Gleason, Kyle Morales, Dr. Jay Morrison and Zachary Morrison.

     Donations to the Alabama Baptist Children’s Home, Decatur Campus in his honor would be appreciated or to an organization of your choice.

     We want to extend our love and thanks to our nurse, Natalie and aide, Barbara from Hospice Family Care at 10000 Serenity Lane in Huntsville, Alabama.

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