Alabama

Bart Starr

(1934-2019)

Football Player

Fame-O-Meter-7/10

Resting Place-Southern Heritage Cemetery, Montgomery

GPS Coordinates-

33°20'27.3"N, 86°46'34.8"W

Bart Starr played for the Alabama Crimson tide before moving to the NFL and becoming the face of the Green Bay Packers. Starr would have a wonderful professional career, winning five Super Bowls for the Packers and being named MVP during the 1966 season. Upon his retirement, Starr continued to work with the team he loved in many capacities. Today, the Bart Starr Award is given annually to a player who "best exemplifies outstanding character and leadership in the home, on the field, and in the community". A true legacy, indeed. 

George Wallace

(1919-1998)

Politician

Fame-O-Meter-7/10

Resting Place-Greenwood Cemetery, Montgomery

GPS Coordinates-

32°22'20.3"N, 86°15'46.2"W

Some people in American history are judged by their actions and words and are famous, but for all the wrong reasons. George Wallace represented his Alabama as governor many times. His time in the national spotlight, however, showed him for the southern, racial segregationist he was. Wallace infamously stood in the doorway of the University of Alabama in 1963 attempting to block the national integration efforts ushered in by President Kennedy. Later he used the Alabama State Police to try to stop the Selma to Montgomery civil rights march. While he did try to change his image and apologize for earlier actions, he never gained national traction in running for president. He was the victim of an assassination attempt in 1972, the bullet damaging his spinal column and leaving him unable to walk for the remaining 26 years of his life.

Hank Williams Sr.

(1923-1953)

Musician

Fame-O-Meter-6/10

Resting Place-Oakwood Annex Cemetery, Montgomery

GPS Coordinates-

32°23'07.6"N, 86°17'27.6"W

For the impact Hank Williams Sr. had on the world, one can only imagine what his legacy would have been like had he had the chance to live a long, full live. Only 29 years old when he died of a heart attack, Williams produced some of the most memorable songs of his day, combining rockabilly sounds with traditional country music. His biggest hits included "I'm So Lonesome I Could Cry," "Cold, Cold Heart," "Hey, Good Lookin'," and "Why Don't You Love Me?" Hank's son, Hank Williams Jr., would also go on to have a legendary career.