Joel Williams, Sr.
- Born
- ?
- High School
- Lincoln High School, Dallas, TX
- Colleges
- Texas College, Stanford University, SMU
- Coaching Record
- Titles
- ?
- PVILCA Inductee Class
- 1993
- Inductor
- Sport
Coach Williams was born in Oklahoma, educated in Texas, known by everyone as "Jolly Joel" whose smile could charm an Arkansas mule. After graduating from Lincoln High School in Dallas, Joel went on to star in track & field and football at Texas College in Tyler, Texas. He began his coaching career at Booker T. Washington High School in Mt. Pleasant in 1948 where he was the first black to operate a public swimming pool and guide the team to its first state championship in track. Moving to I.M. Terrell in Fort Worth, he directed the 1965 Panther City Relays, assisted in football, coached track, and later served as vice principal at North Side High School.
Joel received his Masters at Texas College and a Shell Merit Scholarship in 1959 at Stanford University, attended SMU's School of Engineering of Science and management. He belonged to a number of social and professional organizations.
His special honors and accomplishments include special recognition for his contributions to athletics, owned and operated Parkside Pool and Recreational Facility, and had the Joel Williams Addition names in his honor. Joel was loved and respected by all who knew him.
TAACA is honored to induct Coach Joel Williams, Sr. into nto our Hall of Honor.