Mark Clinton Williams

Published 3:39 pm Wednesday, March 5, 2025

Jan. 29, 1956 – March 3, 2025

BIRMINGHAM, AL – Mark Clinton Williams was born on Jan. 29, 1956, to Rev. Roger Edward Williams of Tuscaloosa, AL, and Rebecca Andree Benoist Williams of Natchez. He was the third of five siblings. Mark’s early life was spent in St. Joseph, MO, and the family later moved to Tuscaloosa, AL, before returning to Missouri to live in Sedalia. There Mark met and fell in love with the girl next door, Georgiana Goodier Williams, his wife of 47 years. Mark was the kicker for the football teams of Tuscaloosa High School and then Smith-Cotton High School, where he graduated in 1974.

Mark took agriculture courses and worked on a cattle farm in Missouri before moving to Natchez, in the late 70s. There he assisted his esteemed Uncle Jack in managing the family business on Main Street – Benoist Brothers, a gentlemen’s clothing store founded by his great-grandfather in 1897. His two daughters, Katherine Benoist Williams Hicks (Katie) and Anna Marie Williams were born during this time in Natchez.

In 1990, Mark accepted a position at EBSCO Industries and moved his family to Birmingham, AL. For the next 24 years, he worked his way from being a traveling salesman to a vice president of the company, even receiving the honor of induction into the Founders Club. During his time at EBSCO, he traveled the world, visiting at least ten countries throughout Europe, Asia, and Central America.

In 2014, Mark was diagnosed with Parkinson’s, and on March 3, 2025, he died of complications related to the disease.

He is preceded in death by his older brother and best pal Ed (“Uncle Buddy”), who also died of complications relating to Parkinson’s.

He is survived by his wife, Georgiana; his daughters, Katie Hicks (David) and Anna Williams (Joe Chappell); his grandsons, Will Hicks, Jay Hicks, and Jude Williams-Chappell; his sisters, Caroline and Missy (Mike); his brother, John; his nephews, Jacob Polson (Kim), Whitney Polson (Ruth Penton), and Michael Prince (Lexa); and his nieces, Abby Murray (John), Amy Prince (Torie Ball), and Caroline Prince.

Mark was incredibly generous, fiercely protective of his family, a wonderful storyteller with a great sense of humor, and a fast friend to all who met him. Some of his favorite memories from later in life were traveling the world with his Georgiana, spending time with his sons-in-law, David Hicks and Joe Chappell, and hitting the links with his best golf buddies, Frank Buckley, Frank Mapes, and Tom Lampkin. An avid gardener, his lawn was immaculate and his tomatoes were legendary. He was an enthusiast of Budweiser, the Crimson Tide, golf, and fishing. He could frequently be found at Shades Mountain Park in Hoover watching his grandsons play baseball. Known as “Paw Paw” to Will, Jay, and Jude, his devotion to his family will never be forgotten.

A private celebration of life will be held for family and friends at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, please make donations to the Parkinson’s Association of Alabama.