The Town of Chapel Hill declared June 2, 2021 as “Roy Williams Day” in the community, recognizing the former UNC basketball coach for his lifetime of achievement.

The official proclamation, which was signed by Chapel Hill Mayor Hemminger and announced Wednesday at a town council meeting, encourages everyone to recognize and express sincere gratitude to Williams for “being an exemplary citizen of UNC, Chapel Hill and North Carolina.”

“Coach Roy Williams is a Dadgum Legend,” read town council member Karen Stegman.

The Hall of Fame head coach announced his retirement on April 1 after 18 years with UNC basketball. Williams, who led North Carolina to three national championships, stepped down after 48 seasons of coaching and 903 wins as a college basketball coach.

During Wednesday’s town council meeting, Williams joined virtually to hear the proclamation and declaration of Roy Williams Day read to the public.

“I’m very honored, I’m very flattered,” said Williams of the town government’s gesture. “I’ve been very lucky. I love Chapel Hill. I will always love Chapel Hill and I appreciate this a great deal.”

In addition to his basketball achievements and lasting impact on the community, the Town of Chapel Hill honored Williams for his continued philanthropic efforts.

During his time as head coach, Williams and his wife Wanda donated more than $5.8 million to the university – which included $3 million toward scholarships just announced in March.

“It’s a place that I’ve loved,” he said of Chapel Hill. “It’s a place that’s been in my heart for every year and every moment of my life since coming in – since September of 1968.”

The Chapel Hill Town Council discussed several other topics before moving into a closed session Wednesday night. Agenda items included updates for the proposed budget, the redevelopment of 828 Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard and the East Rosemary Street Parking Deck project.

Video of Wednesday’s town council meeting can be found here.

 

Photo via ACC Media.

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