William E. Foster Sr. (Buddy), 86, passed at home amongst his loved ones on January 16, 2022.
William served in the U.S. Navy from March 1955 to March 1959. He worked at American Bridge from 1959 to 1962. In April of 1962, he joined the Mountain Brook Fire Department. By 1968 he was promoted to Lieutenant while obtaining an associate degree in Fire Science at Jeff State, the following year, he attended UAB RTI and obtained a State Paramedic license. He retired from the fire department on June 30, 1993. While working at the Fire Department, he earned his GC License and formed Foster Construction Co., which he passed on to his son in 1999. After retirement, he did miscellaneous shop drawings while traveling and hiking in the Smokie Mountains.
He is preceded in death by his father, Edward Grant Foster, his mother, Mattie Bell Foster Hawkins, and his stepfather Robert W. Hawkins. Sons William E. Foster Jr. and Christopher G. Foster, sister Geraldine Cain and brother James Hawkins.
He is survived by Sons Barry Foster (Lorraine), Kevin Foster and daughter Melanie Jones (Mike). Grandchildren Brandon Jones, Lauren Jones, Jessica F. Robert, Tyler Meeks (Caitlyn), Savannah Foster and Sophia Foster. Great Grandchildren Riley Jones, Hudson Jones and Emma Robert. Siblings Bobby Hawkins, Joe Hawkins, Kay Pesnell, Jim Hawkins and Celia Burtram
He will be remembered by all he touched for his kindness, gracious demeanor, and for standing up and doing what is right.