2004 HALL OF FAME INDUCTEE | LOWELL WILLIAMS
Lowell Williams began his lifelong journey in athletics at Milligan College in 1957, earning a total of seven letters before graduating in 1962. In basketball, Lowell started three years as point guard. He served as captain his senior year, making All-Conference and leading his team to win the conference tournament. In tennis, he played at number one his junior and senior year. Lowell was named All Sports King in 1960 and 1961, and he was the men’s intramural director and president of the lettermen’s club from 1959-1961.
After serving in the Army National Guard for one year, Lowell began his teaching and coaching career at Jonesville High School in Virginia. He taught social studies, government, physical education, science, driver’s education, drama, and public speaking. His basketball team boasted 200 wins to only 90 losses, three county titles, one district title, and one state appearance. He held the award of Coach of the Year two times. In track, his team won the tournament 12 of 14 seasons, 11 in a row.
He served as principal at Jonesville High School from 1976 to 1989, at which time he led the successful consolidation of five high schools into one. Lowell served as chairman of the Virginia High School League from 1985-86, and he is credited with implementing the state of Virginia's current football, basketball and baseball playoff system.
Outside of high school athletics, Lowell has been active in his community serving on the Lee County School Board and as president of his local Lions Club. He serves as an elder at First Christian Church in Pennington Gap, where he has been a member for 57 years. He and his wife Betty celebrate 37 years of marriage. They have one son, Lowell Williams, Jr., and one grandson, Landon Williams.
Tonight, Lowell celebrates this honor with brothers "Beetle" Glen Williams, class of 1940 and class of '56 grad "Wormy" Don Williams, who is also in the Hall of Fame.