Leonard "Bill" Bevis Jr.

Leonard “Bill” E. Bevis Jr., of Haleyville, passed away Saturday, April 18, 2026 at the age of 88.
Bill was born on January 19, 1938, in Florence to Leonard E. Bevis Sr. and Delve Bevis. He was preceded in death by his parents and his sisters, Helen Bevis and Mary Lee Wann.

He was a graduate of Coffee High School and Florence State College, now known as the
University of North Alabama. Bill married the love of his life, Carolyn Williams, on December 8, 1962. Together, they shared 64 years of marriage. Early in his career, Bill and Carolyn lived in Dunn, North Carolina, before eventually settling in Haleyville, where they made their home. He spent the early part of his career in the mountains of North Carolina chasing illegal moonshine production. He was one of the most successful undercover agents in the region. He dedicated his professional life to the United States Justice Department, serving as a special agent in the Alcohol, Tobacco, and Firearms Division (ATF).

Bill is survived by his wife, Carolyn Bevis; his children, Carol Lynne Bevis (Chris Magyar) of Birmingham, and Beau Bevis (Ellen) of Birmingham and his beloved
grandchildren, Clayton Ramey and Virginia Bevis.

Known as a true “man of many talents,” Bill had a deep love for the outdoors. He spent
countless hours fishing and bird hunting, maintaining lifelong friendships, some spanning
over 80 years, with those who shared his passions. It was not uncommon for him to arrive
late to holiday gatherings, having squeezed in one more fishing trip that simply ran a little
too long. He passed down his love of fishing, hunting and animals to his children and later to his grandson, Clayton. Even in his final days, his passion never faded—he was still talking about going fishing.

Bill also spent much of his life in his backyard workshop, a place that became far more than just a workspace. It was a gathering spot, a place for repairs, projects, conversation and often an impromptu guitar session. Friends, family and even strangers, who quickly became friends, were always welcome. The workshop became a true hub of the community.

He was known for his generosity, always willing to help anyone with any project, big or
small. He had a tremendous sense of humor and was well-known for his pranks—sometimes going a little too far, especially for Carolyn—but always delivered with
a spirit everyone came to expect and appreciate.

Bill was a natural host. He made sure everyone had a seat and something in hand. In his
later years, he honored his father’s postal legacy by leaving a drink and a pack of crackers in the mailbox each day for the mail carrier, a small, but meaningful gesture of appreciation.

His kindness extended to everyone he met. At his final doctor’s visit, he was still getting up
to offer his seat to the nurses—thinking of others, as he always had.

Bill will be remembered for his humor, generosity, craftsmanship and the way he brought
people together. He leaves behind a legacy of love, friendship and a life fully lived.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the First Baptist Church Choir, the Food
Pantry, or Free State Four Paws Humane Society.
https://www.fbchaleyville.org/online-giving/