Willard ‘Hal’ Sawyer

Published 12:25 pm Thursday, February 6, 2025

Willard ‘Hal’ Sawyer of Montevallo, Alabama passed away peacefully at the age of 90 on January 31, 2025, surrounded by his family. Hal was born in Carbon Hill, AL on October 19, 1934.

Hal lived a full life, driving across the country three times, visiting Europe, hiking portions of the Appalachian Trail and taking advantage of each adventure. He was an avid reader and enjoyed spending time sitting in his chair on the deck overlooking the back yard where he watched birds and kept his eye out for wildlife. His favorite part of retirement was spending time with his granddaughters. He loved creating adventures for them to enjoy and he watched them grow into young ladies.

Hal graduated from Florence State (now The University of North Alabama) in 1958, taught history at Jemison High School and coached football, baseball, and basketball. He was a charter member of University Baptist Church where he served as a deacon and generously gave of his time.  In 1970, Hal opened the Sears Catalog Store on Main Street in Montevallo and it remained open for 23 years. He went on to work for the University of Montevallo and retired in 2002.

He leaves behind his beloved wife of 64 years, Inez Sawyer, daughters Lynn Wooldridge, Tina Sawyer, his son, Chris Sawyer and wife Shannon, and his three granddaughters, Sadie, Adelaide and Ruby.

He was preceded in death by his father and mother, Williard T. Sawyer and Nina (Kitchens) Sawyer, and by his sister Kathryn Sawyer.

A Celebration of Life memorial service will be held at University Baptist Church on Saturday, February 15^th. Visitation will begin at 1pm. The memorial service will follow immediately at 2pm.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to Shelby Emergency Assistance, P.O. Box 18, Montevallo, AL 35115. Donations may easily be made on their website. (shelbyemergencyassistance.org)