William Walker "Bill" Jessup

William (Bill) Walker Jessup passed away peacefully on May 30, 2025, following a brief illness.
A native of Sylacauga, Alabama, Bill graduated from Sylacauga High School in 1956. He went on to earn a B.S. in Accounting from the University of Alabama. During his time there, he was inducted into the Delta Sigma Pi accounting honorary and became a proud member of Phi Gamma Delta fraternity, where he forged lifelong friendships.
In 1961, Bill married Patricia Proctor, beginning a devoted partnership that lasted 64 years. Shortly after their wedding, he was called to active duty with the Alabama Air National Guard, serving nine months in France during the Berlin Wall crisis.
Bill and Pat made their home in Tuscaloosa, where he built a long and respected career in public accounting. He earned his CPA designation in 1966 and dedicated more than 50 years serving individuals and businesses across Alabama and beyond. Bill was a founding member of the Tuscaloosa Estate Planning Council, a Life Member of the Alabama Society of CPAs, and among the first CPA's in the state to earn the Personal Financial Specialist (PFS) designation. In 1999, he founded Capstone Wealth Management, becoming Tuscaloosa's first CPA to establish a wealth management practice.
A devoted member of First United Methodist Church of Tuscaloosa, Bill held numerous leadership roles over the years, including chair of both the Finance Committee and the Administrative Board.
His dedication to community service was equally steadfast. He served as chairman of the Central Branch YMCA and as a board member of the Boy Scouts of America, where he proudly drew on his experience as an Eagle Scout. He was an active member of the Rotary Club of Tuscaloosa, where he served as president and held other leadership roles. He was honored to be a multiple-time Paul Harris Fellow.
Bill remained deeply connected to his alma mater throughout his life. He served as president of the Tuscaloosa Alumni Association, vice president of the National Alumni Association, and was a member of the University's President's Cabinet. He also established two scholarships at the University of Alabama, which honored his commitment to education and service. In 2003, he was recognized with the Career Achievement Award by the Culverhouse School of Accountancy for his contributions to the University, his profession, and his community.
Known for his tireless work ethic-especially during tax season-Bill instilled a strong sense of dedication and integrity in his children. He gave assistance to many people in a quiet manner, requesting no public recognition. Beyond his professional life, Bill embraced the joy of living. He loved to travel, whether it was to cheer on Alabama football, visit his beloved Maine, relax at the beach, or enjoy golf trips with close friends. He also found great pleasure in being part of several social clubs.
Bill was preceded in death by his parents, Mollie (Walker) Jessup and William Lucius Jessup of Sylacauga. He is survived by his beloved wife, Patricia; his children, Ann Gulledge (David) and John Jessup (Kimberly); his sister, Nancy Hightower (Bill); and three grandchildren: Caroline Lavender (Justin), Katherine Nowell (Zack), and Andrew Jessup.
A celebration of life will be held at First United Methodist Church in Tuscaloosa at 11:00 on Friday, June 6 with visitation following. In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests that memorial contributions be made to the First United Methodist Church of Tuscaloosa, the Bill Jessup Endowed Scholarship at the University of Alabama, or to a charity of your choice.