Johnny Williams, a former longtime Troy University athletic director and chancellor, passed away due to a year-long leukemia at 68 on February 4, 2025.
His wife, Robin Libby Williams, stood by his side during his battle with leukemia, providing care and comfort until his passing.
Highlights
- Johnny William’s wife, Robin Libby Williams, was a significant source of support throughout his career and battle with leukemia.
- Robin studied home economics/interior design at the Univeristy of North Alabama Lions and works at IS4S Salute to Veterans Bowl.
- On February 10, 2025, Johnny’s memorable service will be held at Cross Pointe Church, following his burial service at Tuscaloosa Memorial Park Cemetery.
Johnny was a 4-year defensive starter and lineman of the year at the University of North Alabama.
He was an athletic director and worked in the athletic department at Troy University as the school transitioned from Division 2 to Division 1. Later, in 2026, Troy University inducted him into their Hall of Fame.
Johnny was a highly respected collegiate athletics figure who brought several bowl games, including the FCS Kickoff, to Montgomery.
Throughout his career, he impacted the lives of people in the state. Thanks to his work with the bowl game and the sports commission, he spent the last 12 years as the top sports authority in Capital City.
Nonetheless, his departure will be a devastating blow to the Capital City’s sports scene.
I’ve never met anybody that didn’t like Johnny Williams. It’s going to leave a tremendous void here in Montgomery, Alabama.
Montgomery County Commission Chairman Doug Singleton
Former Athletic Director Johnny Williams’ Legacy Lives On with Wife Robin Libby
Johnny Williams was married to Robin Libby Williams, a significant source of support throughout his career and battle with leukemia.
They shared a long-standing marriage built on mutual support and partnership.
Robin, who resides in Tuscaloosa, Alabama, is originally from Huntsville, and her parents raised her alongside her sister, Carol L. Grimes.
She graduated from Huntsville High School and studied home economics/interior design at the Univeristy of North Alabama Lions. Currently, she works at IS4S Salute to Veterans Bowl.
Johnny and Robin have a son, Andrew Williams, who is married to Brittney Nicole Williams. Moreover, they have become grandparents.
Sadly, Robin announced Johnny’s passing via social media.
Our hearts are broken. Johnny lost a very hard fought battle with leukemia and a bone marrow transplant yesterday 2/4/25. He touched so many people’s lives in the athletic world, that I felt I needed to share on this platform. Plans for his memorial will be updated later today. Please keep our family in your prayers as we learn to navigate our lives without him.
Robin Libby Williams
Johnny’s memorable service will be held on February 10, 2025, at Cross Pointe Church, following his burial service at Tuscaloosa Memorial Park Cemetery.
Nonetheless, Robin is remembered as a devoted wife and a pillar of strength for Johnny during his career and illness. Netizens appreciated her support of his Troy University job and community service.
Johnny Williams, A Respected Figure In Collegiate Athletics
Johnny Williams contributed to the success of Troy’s football team. He was a defensive coordinator and helped the team win the NCAA Division II National Championship in 1987.
Afterward, he became the Athletics Director, with numerous successes across various sports, including football, baseball, basketball, and track and field.
Johnny’s contributions extended beyond Troy University, including his work with the Central Alabama Sports Commission and the Camellia Bowl, an annual college football game in Montgomery, Alabama.
After Troy, he continued his impact in collegiate athletics and worked as the Senior Associate Athletics Director at the University of Alabama.
He also founded Creative Marketing Management, a company that helped universities secure corporate sponsorships and conduct administrative searches.
His legacy in sports and his positive impact on many lives will be remembered fondly.
Johnny knew exactly what we needed and knew where we were trying to go. He knew how much work and how much money it would take for us to compete, and he did everything in his power to make us successful.
Larry Blakeney
I’ve always said this about Johnny, if you feel bad, call Johnny because he will brighten your day up. He is very positive, and that is something that is paramount in this business. There was never a time that I went to him with an issue and he didn’t listen and try and satisfy what we thought our needs were.
Additional Information
- Johnny Williams turned his attention back to football in 2013 and served as the executive director of the Raycom College Football All-Star Classic.
- He did terrific work for ESPN, and nobody can replace him.
