Published on December 8, 2025 by Zac Fuller  
Williams family

The lives of Harold and Elouise Williams, who died respectively in 2016 and 2023, exemplified a legacy of generosity and faithfulness. Through both their time and their resources, they served and supported the university with great dedication. And as members of the 1841 Society—which recognizes and celebrates their shared bond of philanthropy, a love for Samford and a vision to provide for future generations of Samford students—they made a final gift to Samford through a bequest of their will.

Elouise’s name is synonymous with the history of Samford’s Legacy League. She served as president from 1986 to 1990 (when it was called the Samford University Auxiliary), and she continued to serve the organization as a coordinator for 18 years until her retirement in 2008. During her time with the organization, its scholarship funds grew from $300 to a $1 million endowment. Coinciding with her retirement, the Legacy League established the Elouise Wilkins Williams Endowed Scholarship Fund to honor her commitment to providing students with the opportunity to attend Samford and receive a transformative education.

In 2004, both Harold, a lawyer, and Elouise, a teacher, received an honorary alumni designation. This honor is given to individuals who are not graduates but display a record of outstanding service as a part of the Samford community. The couple fell in love with Samford through their children, Richard Williams ’81 and Anna Williams '83, JD '88.

"We remember when they were excited to donate a grand piano to Brock Recital Hall and how proud they were to contribute their energy, talents and financial support to Samford," said David and Julie Long, longtime friends of the Williams. "In planning their legacy, they wanted to leave significant funds to Samford for the continued educational advancement of students for years to come. By doing so, they encouraged everyone to do the same."

Steve Vinyard, a member of Samford’s Board of Trustees, and his wife Gena ’83, were close friends with Anna, who died in 2024. They said the Williams family’s timeless servanthood had a profound impact on them.

Whenever she was around Anna and Elouise, Gena said she could feel the warmth and love they had for everyone. “The Williamses were always so welcoming to me and treated me like another daughter,” Gena said. “They were supportive of everyone involved at Samford and treated everyone with the love of Christ. I will be their greatest fan forever.”

Gena recalls how Anna would often say that scholarships were Elouise’s passion. The entire family, she explained, showed a generosity that was remarkable to witness.

 
Located in the Homewood suburb of Birmingham, Alabama, Samford is a leading Christian university offering undergraduate programs grounded in the liberal arts with an array of nationally recognized graduate and professional schools. Founded in 1841, Samford enrolls 6,324 students from 44 states, Puerto Rico and 16 countries in its 10 academic schools: arts, arts and sciences, business, divinity, education, health professions, law, nursing, pharmacy and public health. Samford is widely recognized as having one of the most beautiful campuses in America, featuring rolling hills, meticulously maintained grounds and Georgian-Colonial architecture. Samford fields 17 athletic teams that compete in the tradition-rich Southern Conference and boasts one of the highest scores in the nation for its 97% Graduation Success Rate among all NCAA Division I schools.