William graduated from Colbert County High School in Leighton where he was a three sport athlete. He was selected the most outstanding lineman for the Indians in both 1966 and1967, was chosen to play North-South All-Star game and was named to the All-Time Colbert County Football Team.

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In addition to an  outstanding football career in high school he also excelled in both basketball and baseball. Williams was the team MVP in both sports in 1967 and was selected to the All-State Tournament Basketball Team as well as to the Colbert County All-Star Team in baseball.

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Following high school William went on to star for the Florence State Lions in football where he was a 3 year letterman. He was selected to 1970's Lions All-Decade team as a linebacker and was the
All-Gulf South Conference place kicker in 1971. He graduated from Florence State with a degree in Physical Education and Art Design.