Bill Easterling

Class of 1989

Bill Easterling’s influence on Huntsville’s sports and newspaper scene was nothing short of legendary. A native of Pineville, Louisiana, Easterling moved to Huntsville in 1949 and quickly became a beloved figure in the community. His career at The Huntsville Times began in 1959 when, fresh out of high school, he started as a copyboy. Despite his humble beginnings, Easterling was determined to rise through the ranks, and his brash ambition was evident from the start. At just 18, he famously told the new publisher, “I run this damn place,” setting the tone for a career that would make him one of the South’s top sportswriters and columnists.

Easterling’s rise was rapid. By 1963, he was the sports editor of The Huntsville Times, where he shaped the paper's sports section into one of the best in the state. He earned recognition as Alabama Sports Writer of the Year in 1971 and won multiple awards from the Associated Press and Alabama Sports Writers Association. Easterling’s extensive coverage included every major bowl game except the Rose, and he reported on iconic events like Hank Aaron’s 715th home run and Muhammad Ali’s comeback fight against Jerry Quarry.

After leaving sports in 1974, Easterling expanded his reach by taking on roles as managing editor and later, general-interest columnist. His columns resonated with readers for their authenticity, humor, and insightful reflections on life. Easterling published two collections of his columns, Voices on a Cold Day and A Locust Leaves Its Shell, and won a Christopher Award for his children's book, Prize in the Snow.

Easterling passed away in 2000, but his impact lives on. His candidness, wit, and wisdom made him the heart and soul of The Huntsville Times, and his words continue to inspire generations of readers.

Disclaimer): This feature is a narrative summary for the Huntsville-Madison County Athletic Hall of Fame project, based on Hall materials and public records. Statistics and honors reflect the cited sources; please contact the Hall for official confirmations.