HR13INTRODUCED
Page 0
HR13
6DR9111-1
By Representatives Faulkner, Carns
RFD:
First Read: 04-Feb-25
1
2
3
4
5 6DR9111-1 02/04/2025 evp (L)evp 2025-475
Page 1
First Read: 04-Feb-25
HR___ MOURNING THE DEATH AND CELEBRATING THE LIFE OF UNITED
STATES ARMY VETERAN, FORMER STATE LEGISLATOR, AND FORMER
AMBASSADOR, WILLIAM JELKS CABANISS, JR.
WHEREAS, it is with profound sorrow that we note the
death of William Jelks "Bill" Cabaniss, Jr. of Birmingham,
Alabama, on February 2, 2025, at the age of 86; and
WHEREAS, his departure leaves a void in the lives of
his loving family, many friends, and the community where he
was highly regarded; and
WHEREAS, Bill Cabaniss was born in 1938 in Birmingham
to William Jelks Cabaniss, Sr. and Florence Pierson Sanson
Cabaniss; he graduated from the Lawrenceville School in New
Jersey in 1956 and matriculated to Vanderbilt University,
graduating in 1960; he trained in Vanderbilt's ROTC program
and was commissioned a Second Lieutenant in the United
States Army; he served as an Airborne Ranger for three years
of active duty in Germany; and in 1964, he was awarded the
Army Commendation Medal; and
WHEREAS, in 1962, Bill Cabaniss married his wife of
58 years, Catherine Hood Caldwell; they shared an
extraordinary life together, beginning in Zweibrucken,
Germany; after Bill's honorable discharge from active duty,
the couple moved to Birmingham to start their family; he
acquired a small metal grinding company that he successfully
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
21
22
23
24
25
26
27
28 HR13 INTRODUCED
Page 2
acquired a small metal grinding company that he successfully
built into Precision Grinding, Inc.; and
WHEREAS, concerned about Alabama's relationship to
business, Bill Cabaniss ran for and won a seat in the
Alabama House of Representatives in 1978; in 1982, he was
elected to the Alabama State Senate and served eight years;
he supported many bipartisan bills that most benefited the
citizens of Alabama; his peers voted him one of five
outstanding state senators; and
WHEREAS, State Senator Cabaniss attempted a run for
the U.S. Senate and, although he was unsuccessful, he gained
the friendship of President George W. Bush who appointed him
Ambassador to the Czech Republic; he served that post with
distinction from 2004 to 2006, further cementing ties
between the two democracies; he traveled and lectured
throughout Europe on behalf of the United States and the
Czech Republic; he maintained a friendship with President
Vaclav Klaus and upon returning home, he became involved in
several not-for-profit organizations in Prague and New York;
and
WHEREAS, he was active in his Birmingham community
and served on the boards of directors for several notable
firms; he chaired the Metropolitan Development Board and the
Board of Junior Achievement of Jefferson County; he was
inducted into the Alabama Academy of Honor in 2004 and the
Alabama Business Hall of Fame in 2006; he served faithfully
as Senior Warden at Saint Luke's Episcopal Church for many
years; and
WHEREAS, he was predeceased by his wife; son, William
29
30
31
32
33
34
35
36
37
38
39
40
41
42
43
44
45
46
47
48
49
50
51
52
53
54
55
56 HR13 INTRODUCED
Page 3
WHEREAS, he was predeceased by his wife; son, William
Jelks Cabaniss III; and sister, Joan Cabaniss Harrison; he
will be lovingly remembered by his loving fiance, Linda
Parker Johnson; daughters, Mary Cabaniss Ballard and Frances
Cabaniss Johnson (Kenny); sister, Florence Cabaniss Parnegg;
his beloved grandchildren, Mary Steele Johnson, Bill
Johnson, Kenny Johnson, and twins, Frances Jean and Maria
Nancy Ballard; and a host of nieces, nephews, extended
family, and many friends and former colleagues; and
WHEREAS, although his presence will be greatly
missed, the memory of Bill Cabaniss will be cherished in the
hearts of all who knew and loved him; now therefore,
BE IT RESOLVED BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE
LEGISLATURE OF ALABAMA, That the death of William Jelks
Cabaniss, Jr. is recorded with deep sadness, and this
resolution is offered to his family in tribute to his life
and with heartfelt sympathy to his loved ones whose grief is
shared by many.
57
58
59
60
61
62
63
64
65
66
67
68
69
70
71
72
73