William M Voigt

William M. (Bill) Voigt, 76, of Birmingham, AL, passed away peacefully at his home on March 31, 2015 after a long, brave battle with cancer and Parkinson’s disease. Bill was born in San Luis Obispo, CA on December 21, 1938. He is survived by his wife of 55 years, Linda, son David, and daughter Diane Watkins (John). He is also survived by his brother Joe (Mary), and niece Tracy Bailey. Bill and Linda have three grandchildren: Daniel Voigt, Katie Watkins and Kendal Watkins. He is preceded in death by his parents, Milton J. and Jessie Sartain Voigt. Bill has been one of the foremost civic and military leaders in Birmingham and Alabama for the past 50 years. Bill served his country with 30 years in the Alabama Air National Guard and another 5 years of service with the U.S. Air Force Reserve earning the title of Colonel. He achieved a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration from Auburn University and a Master of Business Administration from The University of Alabama at Birmingham. Bill has given his time and efforts to an impressive and exhaustive list of nonprofits and service organizations. He was the founding President of the UAB National Alumni Society. He served as Executive Director of the Jefferson County Office of Senior Citizens Services, National President of the American Lung Association, President of United Cerebral Palsy of Alabama, President of Positive Maturity, and President of the Air Force Association of Alabama. For over 20 years, he served as the President of the National Veterans Day organization, putting on the largest Veterans Day celebration in the United States here in Birmingham. Bill was a member of the Kiwanis Club of Birmingham, serving as a member of the Board of Directors and past chair of the Military Affairs Committee for 20 plus years. Bill was twice nominated as Birmingham’s Man of the Year and was selected as one of the Four Outstanding Young Men of Alabama. He was also inducted into the Alabama Senior Citizens Hall of Fame. Bill was a member of Liberty Park Baptist Church, where he served as Church Clerk since 1970. He enjoyed singing in the choir, teaching Sunday School, and serving as a Deacon. He was also a member of the Woodlawn High School Warblers Club, and enjoyed many performances with them. A celebration of Bill’s life will be held on Monday, April 6th at Liberty Park Baptist Church – 12001 Liberty Parkway, Vestavia Hills, AL. The family will receive friends from 10:30 – noon, and the service will follow. In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorial contributions be made to the William M. Voigt Endowed Scholarship at UAB. UAB National Alumni Society - 1301 10th Avenue South, Birmingham, AL 35294. crowdfund.uab.edu/voigt