William Piazza

William Joseph Piazza, age 80, passed away on Wednesday, February 11, 2026, in Birmingham, Alabama.

Bill was born in Wichita Falls, Texas, the second of seven children. He grew up in a large extended family and was known for his warm, playful smile, sharp intellect, and devotion to his family. He graduated from Bossier High School in 1963 and went to work for E.L. Burns in Shreveport. From 1964 to 1970, Bill served in the Army National Guard, stationed at Fort Benning and later Fort Rucker, where he completed helicopter crew chief school. In 1977, the family moved to Houma, Louisiana, where he worked for NuVent Inc., and in 1989 they relocated to Birmingham, where he worked for Mason Corporation. Bill retired in 2008 and enjoyed a long retirement often surrounded by his grandchildren.

Bill loved woodworking, reading — especially the morning Wall Street Journal — Corvettes, and NASCAR racing. He and Karen were high school sweethearts, married for 59 years, and after retirement they loved traveling together across America.

He is survived by his wife, Karen Jackson Piazza; his children Holli Piazza Ford (Brent Davis), Bill Piazza (Lisa Luke), and Jennifer Piazza Brainerd (David Brainerd); his grandchildren Blake Ford, Connor Ford, Kaily Ford Davis, Luke Piazza, Jackson Piazza, Emily Brainerd, and Liam Brainerd; his great-grandchildren Matthias Ford, Evelyn Ford, and Emmeline Ford Davis. He was preceded in death by his parents, Joseph and Mary Piazza, and his beloved son, Kevin Piazza.

A memorial gathering for family and friends will be held on Saturday, March 7, 2026, from 2:00 to 4:00 p.m. at the family home to remember Bill and visit with Karen.