William Baxter Booth, Jr. passed away on March 4, 2023, surrounded by his loving wife and daughters. Baxter was born on June 4, 1937, in Athens, Alabama. He attended Athens High School where he played football and basketball and was named the very first “Mr. Athens High School.” Baxter played on the first Athens football team to beat Decatur in 1953 and was co-captain of the first Athens football team to go undefeated in 1954 with a 12-0 record. As a senior, Baxter was named to the All-Tennessee Valley Conference Football Team as well as the All-State Football Team and played in the Alabama State High School All-Star game.
Baxter signed a football scholarship with the University of Alabama in 1955, lettering in 1956-58. He arrived at Alabama under Coach J.B. Whitworth but Alabama did not excel until Bear Bryant was hired before Baxter’s Senior Year. At that point things changed quickly and Baxter would say that under Coach Bryant “you gave it your all or you were gone.” Only 6 players from Baxter’s huge signing class in 1955 remained on the football team in the Senior Class of 1958. In those days players played both ways and Baxter went on to become one of the top players for Coach Bryant, playing tight end and defensive tackle. He received the game ball following his performance in the Georgia game in 1958 and was the only Senior Coach Bryant asked to play in the North South Shrine Bowl in Miami at the end of the season.
Baxter received letters of interest from the Pittsburgh Steelers, the Green Bay Packers and the New York Giants his senior year, but he chose to join the Army after graduation “because the Army paid more” back in those days. After serving in the Army, Baxter returned to Athens where he was hired to coach the line at Athens High School. Following a short time in coaching, Baxter decided to venture into the insurance business and successfully ran his own life insurance agency for over 60 years. He was a lifetime member of the “Million Dollar Round Table,” the highest honor bestowed in the life insurance business. Because of the good people in Athens and Huntsville, Baxter had an amazing career in the insurance business and was still working every day up until a month before his passing. He remained a big supporter of University of Alabama Athletics all his life and thoroughly enjoyed watching Alabama games with family and friends.
Baxter never met a stranger and always had a kind, encouraging word for everyone, even Auburn fans.
Baxter is survived by his wife of 63 and a half years, Kay Rolfe Booth; daughters Kathy Booth Hutcheson (Phil) and Beebe Booth De Meis (Jeff); grandchildren Sam Hutcheson (Caitlin), Jack Hutcheson (Jade), Sarah De Meis Collins (Nic), and Jeffrey De Meis (Abby); great grandchildren Henry Collins and Addi Kate Collins; siblings TooToo Booth Medders. Archie Booth and Jane Booth McFadden; along with a host of nieces and nephews.
Preceded in death by his parents; brother Richard Booth; in-laws Cleo Medders, June Booth, Joe McFadden and Miriam Booth. The family wants to thank Marcellina Woods, Alethea Acklin, Martha Young and Shannon Young for the wonderful care and love they bestowed on Baxter as they are truly earthly angels.
A memorial service for Baxter will be held Saturday, March 11, 2023, at the Athens First United Methodist Church Beasley Center with Kenny Baskins officiating. In lieu of flowers, the family request you consider a donation in memory of William Baxter Booth, Jr. to Hospice of Limestone County, 405 Marion Street, Athens, AL 35611: Manna Meals of First United Methodist Church, 208 W Hobbs Street, Athens, AL 35611 or the First United Methodist Church, 208 W Hobbs Street, Athens, AL 35611.
