2007 HALL OF FAME INDUCTEE

Joseph Williams has a love for bowling that he shares with his entire family.

Starting in 1974 when he graduated from Bartlett High School, Joe entered the Memphis YABA program at Imperial Lanes in the Imperial All Stars league and hasn't looked back.  His youth bowling coach, Joan DeMarco, describes him as "an average teenager and an average bowler but that he always showed the best of sportsmanship.  A well mannered young man".  He worked hard to improve and improve he did.

Williams was born in Somerville, TN. and is employed at MLGW in Street Light Maintenance.  He has been married to his wife Donna for 25 years.  They have one son, Justin, who is 19 years old.  Both Donna and Justin share his love for the sport.  Donna bowled in two leagues and Justin, who is moving to adults this year, had his first 300 at the Tennessee Top 5 in 2005.  The entire family bowls at Bartlett Lanes.

While Joseph has had many bowling achievements to his credit, his greatest personal thrill was the 1996 ABC National Championship in Salt Lake City where he averaged an amazing 239 and finished in 9th place in All Events.  In that tournament he had - 737 in Team, 749 in Doubles and 673 in Singles.

He developed health problems and had to miss the 2005 season due to surgery but has since come back strong - throwing a 300 game in February 2007 at Bartlett Lanes.

Williams looks forward to bowling with his son, Justin, and will also be bowling with Donna in a mixed league at Bartlett Lanes.

When asked what he likes best about our sport he replied, "the competition but as I've gotten older the companionship means more than it ever did but I still want to be competitive."

His bowling achievements are:

• Highest Average: 225 at Imperial Lanes

• 2 - 800s (804 twice)

• 16 - 300s

• 4 - 299s

• 2 - 298s

• a bunch of 11-in-a-rows

• 1999-2000 Memphis City Champion All Events Scratch (score 2020)

• 9th place All Events ABC National Championship in Salt Lake City

Mr. Williams is a worthy recipient of the highest honor our organization can bestow on an individual - Hall of Fame recognition.  His induction ceremony will be at our Awards Banquet July 10, 2007.

Congratulations, Joe, well done and well deserved!