Hollin Eugene Williams, Jr.

On January 3, 2020, the world lost a truly amazing man. Hollin Eugene “Chief” Williams, Jr., beloved husband, father and patriarch left us too soon at age 66.

Friends and family loved “Chief”, or “Mean Gene the Dancing Machine”, for his larger-than-life personality. His imposing physical presence was only overshadowed by the size of his heart, his laugh, and his sense of humor. He had a unique talent for connecting with people. With a joke or his master storytelling, his good-natured ribbings or his tendency to randomly burst into song, Gene left a lasting impression on anyone in his orbit. He could make friends with anyone and when he spoke with you, you felt like the only two people in the room. Gene’s was a free spirt with an open heart for all, and a particular soft spot for misfits. 

His epic reign began on March 19, 1953, when Wilma and Hollin Eugene Williams of Chattanooga, TN welcomed him into the world. “Chief” graduated from the McCallie School (‘71) where he was an All-State football player receiving the Billy Wemyss Award for Best Spirit in Athletics. He went on to graduate from University of Georgia (‘75) where he was a two-term president of Sigma Chi fraternity. He remained a lifelong supporter of both. His professional career began alongside his father at Service Auto Parts & Supply where he climbed to business ownership. He went on to open the Mountain Market of Lookout Mountain, Georgia in two separate incarnations with the help of his beloved wife and children (yes, he was not above using cheap child labor!). Later in life, he brought his years of experience and charm to Sprouts of Madison, Alabama. Gene was generous with his time, skills and wisdom. Throughout his years, he served two terms as president of the Kiwanis Club of Chattanooga, as PTO president at his children’s schools, coached his kids’ sports teams, and directed the live TV broadcasts for his church.

Above all, Gene’s family was his heart and soul. He was preceded in death by his parents, whom he adored. He is survived by his sister, Gayle Davis (Hugh), and countless brothers- and sisters-in-law, cousins, nieces and nephews, who were all special to him. He is also survived by his four beloved children: Katherine Williams - the daughter he raised as a son; Rachel Clark (Taylor) - the easiest target of his relentless heckling; Holly Brown (Brad) - the child he frequently agreed to disagree with; and Hollin Williams III - a true thorn in his side tolerated only because he was an equal match to his wit; his two grandchildren, Sophie Nielsen and Tallulah Clark - two of the brightest sources of daily joy in his life; And finally, Kira - his wife of 41 years who was the love of his life and the true gravitational pull of his world.

The celebration of this legend will be held on Thursday, January 9th at Legacy Funeral Home in Madison, AL. Visitation will be from 1-3pm and the service will start at 3pm. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to Old Friends Senior Dog Sanctuary (Seriously, he loved those misfits) at https://ofsds.org/ or sent to P.O. Box 93, Mount Juliet, TN 37121. 

As a family, we ask that you continue his memory by retelling the stories he no longer can. We’re not sure what to do without you, Chief. You leave behind a legion of fans that will love you forever!