Joel Hilton Williams

Joel Hilton Williams, 60, passed on Saturday, February 7, 2026, in Winston-Salem, NC.

The youngest of two children, Joel was born in Columbia, SC, on January 5, 1966, to the late Linda Hilton Williams and Robert Clarke Williams. Joel graduated from West Forsyth High School, running cross country, attended Western Carolina University, and graduated from Appalachian State University in 2004 with a B.S. in Health Promotion, Exercise Science and Sociology.

Joel’s passion was coaching track & field, encouraging others to achieve their best. While at Appalachian State, he was an assistant coach at Watauga High School in Boone, NC. After graduation, Joel served for 13 years in the track & field department at UNC Asheville before being named head coach in 2020.

He will be remembered as a beloved mentor and trusted coach to countless student-athletes, including more than 100 all-conference athletes and 3 Olympic/World Champion athletes, and considered his student-athletes and fellow coaches as part of his family.

He is survived by his sister, Kelly Clarke Williams Kenion (Hilton Head Island, SC), brother-in-law Thomas Shaw Kenion, Jr., and their son, Thomas Walker Kenion (Charlotte, NC), and many beloved cousins.

The family would like to thank Joel’s loyal long-time friends as well as countless current and former student athletes and coaches who have visited, sent cards and messages, and helped in many other ways during this time.

In lieu of flowers contributions may be made to the Joel Williams Memorial Track Scholarship at UNC Asheville and may be mailed to UNC Asheville Foundation at 1 University Heights, Asheville, NC 28804.

Donations may also be made online at the following link. Under designation select the Joel Williams Memorial Track Scholarship.

https://www.givecampus.com/campaigns/2533/donations/new

A Memorial Service/Celebration of Life will be held on March 22, 2026, at 2:00pm in the Blue Ridge Room, Highsmith Student Union on the campus of UNC Asheville.

Hayworth-Miller Silas Creek Chapel is serving the family of Mr. Williams.