William H. Saxon Jr.

On November 09, 2024, Rev. William Herbert Saxon. Jr., age 90, passed away peacefully surrounded by members of his loving family. He was born in a Methodist parsonage in Trenton, Tennessee in 1934, the son of Rev. Dr. William H. and Lena Saxon. As the son of a Methodist minister, he moved often gaining many childhood friends and memories along the way. He became a church member at an early age and first felt the call to ministry while in high school. He attended Gadsden High and later graduated from Tuscaloosa County High in 1952 where he was involved in band and student government. He attended class reunions at both high schools to celebrate friendships.

After high school he attended the University of Alabama earning bachelor of arts degree. He received a master of divinity from Emory University in 1963. While at the University of Alabama he met and fell in love with his future bride, Sue Haughton. They were married August 17, 1957 and Bill, the preacher and Sue, the teacher began a lifelong journey of service together.

As a Methodist minister, he served the North Alabama United Methodist Conference for 45 years and retired in 1997. His appointments in the United Methodist Church included Reform Circuit, Gurley Circuit, Hazel Green, Concord, Rehoboth Circuit, St. Paul East (Center Point), Wesley Chapel (North Birmingham), McDonald Chapel, Highlands (Huntsville), Martin Memorial (Wylam), Langdale, Roanoke, Bellevue (Gadsden), and Childersburg.

As a father, minister, and friend Bill was known for his ability to “fix things”. Whether it was a mechanical problem or a personal concern, he almost always was able to “fix it” or offer a solution. Be it a broken heart or a small child’s toy, he would always have a solution. Even though he might originally say, “I didn’t see it come apart” he was usually able to put it back together. Bill was a master storyteller and delighted in doing so. Often, as someone would come to him with problems, he would offer one of his stories in parable format with the solution to be found within. Many of his congregation would be inspired to enter the ministry themselves as a result of his walk.

He is preceded in death by his parents, Dr. and Mrs. William H. Saxon, Sr. and a brother, Robert Benjamin Saxon. He is survived by his loving and devoted wife of 67 years, Sue; his children, Bill Saxon (Vickie); Dr. Andrea Saxon Lamberson (Doug Wagoner) and Jon Saxon (Stephanie);

His grandchildren, Will Saxon (Meg), Ross Saxon (Awbrey), Alex Saxon, Bromleigh Ennis (Jzyk), Nathan Saxon, Emily Lamberson and Wesley Lamberson and his great-grandchildren, Hollis Saxon, Sally Saxon, Leo Saxon, Clara Kathryn Ennis and Wren Charlotte Ennis.

The family would like to thank Shanna, Deliliah and Lillian for their compassionate care in his later years.

Friends are invited to celebrate Bill’s life on Nov 14, 2024 @ 11 am at Johns-Ridout's Mortuary-Elmwood Chapel with burial to follow in Elmwood Cemetery. The family will receive friends from 10:00 a.m. until service time at the funeral home. The Reverand Don Neal is officiating the service.

Memorial donations may be made in his memory to UMCOR, a project he was passionate about. UMCOR provides humanitarian relief and disaster response in the United States and internationally. UMCOR - Global Ministries