REMEMBERING DWAYNE Roy Williams is keeping the memory of his brother alive. 14
Vol 12 | Issue 1 | November 2026 As Trussville As It Gets
Bobby Mason builds business by building people The SPOC Energy founder tells the story of his company’s Lift Up Culture in his new book. See page 18 LOVE YOUR HOME!
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2 • November 2026
Cahaba Sun
ABOUT US
Editor’s Note By Kyle Parmley When I think of November, two things come to mind: Thanksgiving and the Iron Bowl. For most of the country, Thanksgiving is the holiday, and everything else is just noise around it. Not here. The turkey still matters and the family time still matters, but that Saturday afternoon doesn’t take a back seat to anything. People build their whole weekend around both, and nobody thinks twice about it. It makes sense, really. Thanksgiving and the Iron Bowl both bring people together. Each year, family and friends rekindle the same old arguments. Around here, we don’t really get two
holidays that week. We get one, stretched across four days, with better food and worse arguments. Thanks for reading, and drop me an email with any story ideas at kparmley@ starnesmedia.com.
Production Assistant: Jenn Moon
ON THE COVER: Bobby Mason with his book “Tuesday in Trussville” in the office of SPOC Energy in Trussville on Sept. 17. Photo by Savannah Schmidt.
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November 2026 • 3
CahabaSun.com
CITY
Trussville schools land $12M for career center; council passes budget By KYLE PARMLEY
Trussville City Schools will lead a $12 million state-funded career and technical education center, Superintendent Patrick Martin announced at the Sept. 21 Board of Education meeting. The grant comes from a $150 million line item the Alabama Legislature set aside for career and technical education spaces. Trussville is the lead school system, with Jefferson County Schools as its partner. The center, to be called the Cahaba Valley Innovation Center, will be within Trussville city limits. Martin said the district already has the money “sitting in the bank right now” and will seek another $3 million next year. Of about 600 seats, 300 would go to Hewitt-Trussville High School students. The rest would be split between Clay-Chalkville High School and Pinson Valley High School. Proposed programs include aerospace engineering, biomedical science, sports medicine, broadcast media and HVAC. Martin said the district’s partnership with the Birmingham Business Alliance makes the center a pilot for the alliance’s plans across Jefferson County. The board heard a proposal to add an Air Force JROTC unit at Hewitt-Trussville High School. The district has started the application process, and the Air Force will conduct a site survey before deciding whether to accept the program. In a survey of students in sixth through ninth grades, 112 of 579 respondents said they were very interested in the course, and another 145 said they were interested and wanted to learn more. The Air Force expects a unit to grow to about 100 cadets over time. The program would have two instructors, one paid by the district and one by the Air Force. The board also recognized National Merit semifinalists Henry Hayes, Riley Morris and Kaden Williams. The board also reviewed state test results. Districtwide proficiency on the Alabama Comprehensive Assessment Program rose from 81% to 81.4% in English language arts
Logo courtesy of city of Trussville.
and from 71.1% to 75% in science, while math dipped from 62% to 60.9%. The district remained in the state’s top 10 in English language arts but fell out of the top 10 in math. This school year is the first in which all of the district’s math coaches are fully funded. The board approved a three-year contract for Hewitt-Trussville High School to host A+ College Ready’s statewide summer training for Advanced Placement teachers. The contract includes a $10,000 annual stipend for the school and raises the number of training slots for Trussville teachers from 15 to 40 each year. At City Hall, Mayor Ben Short presented the fiscal year 2027 budget to the City Council on Sept. 8. He described it as another year of “cautious growth with a budget that’s focused primarily on the basics.” The budget projects $51.3 million in revenue and $42.5 million in operating expenses. It shows a surplus of just over $1 million without relying on land sales. It also proposes $1.25 million for a new capital improvement fund. The budget includes $900,000 for roads, sidewalks and greenways, which covers the first two years of the city’s seven-year paving plan. Short also said the city is 9% behind peer cities in public safety pay. He said the city has also applied for a federal grant that would fund nine additional firefighters. The council approved the budget Sept. 22 in a 2-1 vote. Councilor Jim Miller opposed it after asking to delay the vote because two council members were absent. The council also approved cost-of-living raises of 2.5%
Trussville City Schools building. Staff photo.
for public safety employees and 2% for other city employees. The council unanimously renamed City Hall Drive as Arthur Payne Drive. Payne is a Trussville native who served 36 years in the Alabama House of Representatives. The council also authorized special counsel to file a civil action to enforce a 2023 settlement agreement over the nuisance property at 220 Snake Hill Road. The council also held a first reading on selling 12 acres at 525 Main St. to TDG Development Co. for $1.2 million. The company plans about 130 multifamily units for residents 55 and older there. A proposed moratorium on residential demolitions in the Cahaba Project neighborhood was tabled.
Earlier in September, the council rezoned five properties on Alabama Boulevard and Anniston Avenue from mobile home residential to single-family. It also voted 3-1, with Miller dissenting, to vacate old sewer easements tied to the BRE Main Street development, contingent on a Trussville Utilities survey. On Sept. 14, the Planning and Zoning Commission approved reducing Trussville Springs Phase 4 from 25 lots to 17.
UPCOMING MEETINGS: ► Trussville City Council: Nov. 10 and 19 at City Hall, 113 N. Chalkville Road ► Trussville Planning and Zoning Commission: Nov. 9 ► Trussville Board of Education: Nov. 16
4 • November 2026
Cahaba Sun
BUSINESS
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November 2026 • 5
CahabaSun.com
BUSINESS
Business Happenings the first storage investment in the Birmingham metropolitan statistical area for Sundance Bay and its 11th and 12th self-storage acquisitions in the past year. The Extra Space Storage office is open Monday through Friday from 9:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Saturday 9 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. 205-203-1192, extraspace.com
PERSONNEL MOVES Areli Torres and Asia Quinn recently joined the team at RealtySouth Trussville/East as agents, at 183 Main St., Suite B, in Trussville. Since 1955, RealtySouth has helped people across the state buy and sell their homes. It has more than 20 branch offices and more than 800 licensed agents. 205-655-8877, trussvilleeast.realtysouth.com
NOW OPEN Vapor Thrift Store opened its first custom-built location at 3730 Mary Taylor Road in Trussville in September. The 15,000-square-foot store offers high-quality secondhand merchandise and supports Vapor Ministries, which operates ministry centers in multiple countries and provides clean water, meals and health services. Customers can donate, shop or volunteer. Vapor Thrift Store also has locations in Westover, Vestavia Hills, Greystone and Pell City. The store is open Monday through Saturday from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. 205-593-6426, vaporthrift.com
COMING SOON The Trussville City Council approved additional measures to advance the $25 million retail and grocery development agreement with Blackwater Real Estate, which operates as BRE Main Street. The development would be at Watterson Parkway and U.S. 11 in Trussville. The identity of the grocery store has not been announced yet. blackwaterdevco.com
ANNIVERSARIES
RELOCATIONS AND RENOVATIONS Scarlet Raven Gaming, at 100 Watterson Parkway in Trussville, reopened with expanded offerings, hours and a new business model to provide more opportunities for the community to gather, play and enjoy gaming together. The card shop and board game lounge has seating for about 40 people and offers a place for people to play tabletop and role-playing games. It also offers kids’ gaming and summer camps, along with an area for smaller children to play while parents enjoy their board games. Scarlet Raven Gaming is open Monday, Tuesday and Thursday from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m.;
Wednesday 2-10 p.m.; Friday noon to midnight; and Saturday noon to 10 p.m. 205-644-6934, scarletravengaming.com
NEW OWNERSHIP Sundance Bay, a Salt Lake City-based real estate private equity firm founded in 2012, acquired the storage facility operating as Extra Space Storage at 3240 Veterans Circle in Trussville. The acquisition also included another storage facility at 480 Wildwood Circle North in Homewood, for a total of 841 units and 118,385 rentable square feet. It was
Cookie Dough Magic is celebrating its sixth anniversary at 101 Beech St., Suite 102, in Trussville, serving up a variety of cookie doughs and treats. It offers cookie dough flavors including magic chocolate chip, birthday cake batter, monster magic, brownie batter, cinnamon roll, cheesecake and more. The shop also serves milkshakes, cookie dough sundaes, fresh-baked cookies, dough cream pints and dough cream push pops. Cookie Dough Magic is open Monday through Thursday from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m., Friday and Saturday 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. and Sunday 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. 205-508-5588, mycookiedoughmagic.com
Do you have news to share about a business in Trussville or the greater Birmingham area? Let us know at starnesmedia.com/business-happenings
6 • November 2026
Cahaba Sun
BUSINESS
Business Happenings
ANNIVERSARIES Trussville Storage, at 7900 Gadsden Highway next to Legacy Ridge Trussville, is celebrating its sixth anniversary. It offers small and large units for a variety of storage needs, as well as options for climate-controlled storage areas and drive-up units. Its office hours are Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. and Saturday from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. 205-655-8200, trussvillestorage.com
Cavalier Healthcare of Trussville is celebrating three years at 119 Watterson Parkway. It provides nursing, staff support and community life for long-term residential and rehabilitation patients. Cavalier offers post-acute rehab therapy, respite care and complex care, as well as weekly physician checkups, meals, a full-service salon, daily activities, 24-hour nursing services, transportation and more. 205-655-3226, trussville.cavalierhealthcare.com
New Latitude Movers, which also has locations in Birmingham, Tuscaloosa and Auburn, is celebrating its fifth anniversary at its Trussville location at 4255 Praytor Way. It provides local and long-distance residential moving, storage facilities, packing services, commercial and office moving, employee relocation and move management. 205-970-2222, newlatitudemovers.com
Do you have news to share about a business in Trussville or the greater Birmingham area? Let us know at starnesmedia.com/business-happenings
Vapor Thrift Store opens in Trussville By DIANE POOLE “You do not know what your life will be like TOMORROW. For you are just a VAPOR that appears for a little while, and then vanishes away.” This Scripture passage from James 4:14 hangs on a wall at the new Vapor Thrift Store in Trussville and explains the organization’s name. “We really want our mission and our vision to be at the forefront of what we do,” said Trussville store manager Joe Martin. “It’s not something we tuck behind the curtain, but it’s something that we want to put out on display. Because that’s the reason we’re here, right? We don’t exist to have thrift stores.” Vapor Thrift Store officially opened Sept. 17. The 15,000-square-foot store at 3730 Mary Taylor Road is Vapor’s first custom-built location and its fifth in the Birmingham metro area. It will employ about 35 people. The stores accept donations of gently used clothing, furniture and household items and then resell them to customers to help support Vapor Ministries’ work. Prayer is an integral part of the operation. The store includes a “war room” dedicated to prayer and a board for customer prayer requests.
“Every hour around the world, around the clock, we have a program called Watchmen on the Wall,” Martin said. “Someone is always intentionally praying for Vapor Ministries.” The Trussville store’s assigned hour is 2-3 p.m., when team members rotate through the prayer room in 20-minute shifts. Employees also meet each morning for devotion and prayer. “We often get to know our regular customers, what they’re going through and what they’re experiencing,” Martin said. “Being able to pray with them is just a huge part of who we want to be as an organization — not just to sell them goods, but to help them spiritually.” Vapor Ministries operates eight international centers focused on alleviating extreme poverty and sharing the gospel. From January through August 2026, the ministry reported providing about 79 million cups of clean water, 2.8 million meals and more than 700,000 health services, along with more than 8,000 reported salvations. “We meet needs, feed souls and elevate God. That is why we exist,” said Raquel Hustad, key partner coordinator. The eight international centers operate under a model in which locals build, use and lead them while supporters help fund the work.
The ribbon cutting of Vapor Thrift Store on Sept. 17, 2026. Photo by Diane Poole.
“Everything that is donated and sold,” Hustad said, “100% of the profits go to transforming lives through the programs that we have in all our centers.” Visit vaporministries.org to learn more.
November 2026 • 7
CahabaSun.com
SCHOOLHOUSE
New HTHS teacher balances tennis, science By APRIL COFFEY Caraline Cox, 24, has lived in Trussville her entire life. She graduated from Hewitt-Trussville High School in 2020 and Samford University in 2024 with a degree in engineering physics. The youngest of four siblings — all older, married and with kids of their own — she’s happy to call herself the “super cool aunt.” She is in her first year teaching chemistry at HTHS and serves as head varsity tennis coach. Outside the classroom and tennis court, she treasures her faith, family and friends. She also gravitates toward anything competitive. Q: What is something you wish every student understood about science? A: I wish every student understood that they can never escape science. It’s all around us and in us all the time. Maybe they can run from literature and economics, but everything, from their breakfast to their tennis match to their cellphone, is science. I think science is the coolest subject because it gives
Christianna Hornigold and Caraline Cox playing at PPA Veolia Open in Atlanta. Photo courtesy of Melanie Cox.
us a glimpse of how God made the universe and lets us see just how intricate and vast, yet detailed and mathematically perfect, our world is. Q: What is your favorite topic or area of science to teach? A: Trick question here! So I teach chemistry, but I am quite partial to physics. Chemistry is amazing, and I’m falling more in love with it by the day, but physics is always
Carlee Teague, Caraline Cox, and Christianna Hornigold after winning the Alabama open pro division in pickleball. Photo courtesy of Blakely Valdez.
going to be my first love in the science realm. I especially love kinematics and even took a really cool nuclear physics class in college that was one of my favorites. Q: How do you think being a coach makes you a better teacher? A: I think being a coach is what brought me out of my shell enough in the first place to be able to teach, so I know that coaching
makes me a better teacher. I feel like my personality and teaching style is just that of a coach. Even when I’m in the classroom, I’m energetic, I can’t stand still, I get excited when they’re getting it, I get sad when they don’t. I encourage and motivate and push my students the same way I push my tennis kids. My tennis kids know that it’s a good thing if I’m hard on you. It means I care. If I’m not pushing you to be better, then you should be concerned because that would mean I don’t care. I hope the kids in my classroom see that when they wish I would just give up on them and let them play on their Chromebook or talk through the whole class. I try to call students and athletes to a higher standard than what they think they are capable of. I think coaching has also made me more relaxed talking in front of people because I hate public speaking. But somehow it’s different in the classroom and on the court. See the full Q&A with Caraline at cahabasun.com.
8 • November 2026
Cahaba Sun
SCHOOLHOUSE
Ride with the Huskies: A new way to put school pride on the road By APRIL COFFEY For Trussville residents, school pride may soon have a new place to shine: right on the road. The Trussville City Schools Foundation and the Trussville City Schools Athletic Foundation have teamed up to create a new distinctive Alabama license plate designed to put Husky pride on display while helping provide resources for students, teachers and athletic programs. But before the first plate can hit the road, the community has one important stop to make: 1,000 sign-ups. The first 1,000 people who reserve a Trussville City Schools distinctive tag will receive their first year free. There is no upfront cost to reserve a plate, and each commitment brings the community closer to the 1,000 reservations required for the tag to move into production. Organizers are currently working to reach that goal. As of mid-September, about 600 reservations had been made. Once the goal is reached and production is approved, participants will receive a voucher by email that can be redeemed at a local tag office, including the Trussville Tag Office. The plate is intended to do more than identify a vehicle as
What the new Trussville City Schools Alabama license plate will look like. Photo courtesy of Trussville City Schools.
part of Husky Nation. For every tag purchased, $48.75 will go back to the Trussville City Schools Foundation and the Trussville City Schools Athletic Foundation. Those funds can support classroom resources, educational programs, student enrichment, teacher and student initiatives, athletic programs and facilities. The distinctive tag also offers a way for the broader community to participate. Eligible vehicle owners — including
individuals and businesses — can reserve a plate and help support Trussville City Schools. After the first year, tag holders will have the option to renew the plate annually for $50 through their local tag office. The free first-year offer, however, is limited to the first 1,000 participants. Community members are being encouraged to not only sign up, but to spread the word to friends, family, neighbors and fellow Huskies. The effort is as much about reaching a number as it is about demonstrating the community’s support for its schools. For Linda Green, the opportunity is personal. She sees the potential impact beyond the license plate itself. “As a Trussville resident, with two of my three grandchildren in schools, I support more opportunities to pour resources into our children that inevitably trickle over into enhancing our community’s well-being,” Green said. For those ready to “Ride with the Huskies,” reservations can be made through the school system’s online sign-up form at bit.ly/HuskiesTag. Once 1,000 commitments are reached, the distinctive tag can move one step closer to appearing on Trussville roads — carrying a little Husky pride and a tangible investment in local schools wherever it goes.
November 2026 • 9
CahabaSun.com
SPORTS
Floyd’s 100th win as Hewitt-Trussville’s coach comes wrapped in perspective By KYLE PARMLEY Josh Floyd earned his 100th win as head coach of Hewitt-Trussville High School’s football program Sept. 4, a milestone that came with a 40-24 victory over Hoover to open region play. But for Floyd, the number itself was never really the point. After the game, Floyd was presented with a video featuring congratulatory messages from several of his former players, a gesture that caught him off guard. Asked about reaching the century mark, he kept the focus elsewhere. “I’m blessed to be here. My family loves it here,” Floyd said. “We’ve had opportunities to do other things for a long time, but this is where God wants us.” Featured in those player videos were several former players who are now playing either in the NFL or at high-level college programs. All of them thanked Floyd not only for his impact on their playing careers but also for the character-building moments they experienced playing for him. Floyd has been at the helm long enough to remember when the Hoover series ran the other direction, with the Huskies coming out on the wrong end of several close calls. He said that history made win No. 100 land a little differently. “It’s great to beat those guys, because we’ve had some heartbreakers,” Floyd said. “I’m glad we kind of got the series going in the right direction here.”
Hewitt-Trussville head coach Josh Floyd celebrates 100 wins at Hewitt-Trussville after the win over Hoover on Sept. 4 at Hewitt-Trussville Stadium. Photos by Shawn Bowles.
Hewitt-Trussville running back Daniel Williams (2) sprints to the end zone during the Hoover win.
The milestone also gave Floyd a moment to speak about a health journey that has run alongside his coaching career. Floyd said he was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis about 14 years ago, and the diagnosis changed how he approaches the job. “My outlook’s probably changed a lot over the years to where I really appreciate every day, you know what I mean?” Floyd said. “So, when you go through things, good or bad, you appreciate it a little bit more.” Floyd was quick to turn the credit outward, pointing to the people around the program rather than his own tenure. “I really have a lot of special kids, man. A lot of special coaches have poured into this thing. Our community has poured into this thing, our administration,” Floyd said. “I appreciate [Trussville City Schools Superintendent] Dr. [Patrick] Martin, [Athletics Director] Lance Walker, Mr. [Aaron] King, our principal, does a heck of a job. It’s a community effort.”
As the calendar turns to November, the games carry paramount importance. The Huskies wrapped up the regular season in October and now enter the postseason as one of six teams to qualify from Class 6A, Region 3. Under the AHSAA’s expanded format, the top two seeds in each Class 6A region receive a first-round bye. The Region 3 teams will be matched up with Region 4 teams (the likes of James Clemens, Buckhorn, Sparkman, Huntsville, Bob Jones and others) in the first two rounds. The No. 3 seeds will play the No. 6 seeds, while the No. 4 and No. 5 seeds will be matched up. The first round of the postseason will be Nov. 6, with the second round set for Nov. 13. The quarterfinals will be Nov. 20 and the semifinals Nov. 27. The 6A state championship game is set for Dec. 5 at Hancock Whitney Stadium at the University of South Alabama.
10 • November 2026
Cahaba Sun
SPORTS
Under the Lights By KYLE PARMLEY As the calendar turns to November, high school football’s regular season has come to an end. For some teams, it means the beginning of a playoff pursuit. For others, it signifies the end of a journey. Fortunately for Hewitt-Trussville, the Huskies are still alive heading into the playoffs and will look to make their mark as the weather cools and the holidays loom. Stay tuned to cahabasun.com throughout the postseason for coverage of the playoffs. Photos by Richard Force.
Living well happens
Living with a chronic health condition doesn’t mean childhood has to stop. At Children’s of Alabama, we make sure kids can keep doing what they do best— laughing, playing, and simply being kids. With expert care, advanced treatments, and a team that never stops believing in brighter days, we help families navigate their healthcare journey with confidence, strength, and hope.
Learn more at ChildrensAL.org
We are here in your neighborhood at Pediatrics East. To schedule an appointment at either the Trussville or Deerfoot locations visit www.pediatricseast.org
November 2026 • 11
CahabaSun.com
SPORTS
TRUSSVILLE CHRISTMAS PARADE 2026 PARADE THEME: “CHRISTMAS THROUGH THE YEARS”
Saturday December 12 2pm *Rain Date: Sunday, December 13 pm
For more info, visit trussvillechamber.com Presenting Sponsor
Alabaster | Chelsea | Greystone | Hoover | Trussville
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12 • November 2026
Cahaba Sun
SPONSORED CONTENT
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November 2026 • 13
CahabaSun.com
EVENTS
Community caroling, tree lighting return to Trussville Mall By EMILY REED The Trussville Area Chamber of Commerce is gearing up for its eighth annual community caroling and tree lighting ceremony scheduled for Nov. 29 from 4-6 p.m. at the Trussville Mall. This event has become a favorite holiday tradition for local families and features musical performances, caroling, children’s activities and a special opportunity to meet Santa Claus. Melissa Walker, director of the Trussville Area Chamber of Commerce, said the event has drawn about 1,500 people in previous years. “The event has a special feeling that brings the community together,” Walker said. “It really feels like you are stepping into a Hallmark movie. You have the Christmas music, the lights, the families, the kids visiting Santa and everyone coming together. It is just a special night.” Walker said there will be hot chocolate
The annual community caroling and tree lighting ceremony is an anticipated event in the community. This year’s event will kick off on Nov. 29 beginning at 4 p.m. Photo courtesy of Trussville Area Chamber of Commerce.
and cookies, and (artificial) snow is always guaranteed. “The evening will end with Santa and Mayor Ben Short and the Trussville City Council lighting the Christmas tree,” Walker said.
The tree lighting will be at 5:45 p.m. When the tree lights up, Santa Claus will lead a chorus of jingle bells. The event is made possible through a partnership between the Trussville Area Chamber of Commerce and the city of Trussville. The event’s presenting sponsor is First Baptist Church Trussville. Other sponsors include America’s First Federal Credit Union, Trussville Gas & Water, Bryant Bank, Trinity Contractors, Avadian Credit Union, Cahaba Heating & Cooling, Ace Tree Service, The Trussville Tribune and Hitchcock Maddox Financial Partners. Chamber members can have booth space free of charge. Instead of a participation fee, each vendor is asked to provide giveaways, a children’s activity or both. Walker said local businesses and organizations are generous in helping make the night possible. “Because of their support, families can come out and enjoy the evening together
and make memories without having to worry about the cost,” Walker said. “I love seeing the community come together and watching families make memories. There is something really magical about the choirs singing Christmas carols, the lights coming on, the snow falling and seeing the kids’ faces light up. It really is one of those nights that feels like Christmas in a small town, and that is what makes Trussville so special.” For more information about the event or the Trussville Area Chamber of Commerce, visit trussvillechamber.com or call 205-6557535, or follow the chamber on Facebook and Instagram for updates.
► Where: Trussville Mall ► When: Nov. 29, 4-6 p.m.; tree lighting at 5:45 p.m. ► Call: 205-655-7535 ► Web: trussvillechamber.com
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14 • November 2026
Cahaba Sun
LIFE
‘Be you, little brother’: Roy Williams remembers his late brother By DIANE POOLE “The nation remembers how he died. But we will never forget how he lived.” Those are the words of Roy Williams, whose brother, Maj. Dwayne Williams, was one of seven Alabamians who died Sept. 11, 2001. Roy uses the term “Take the Day Back” as a way to focus not on the day his brother died but on the way he lived. Roy has “picked up the torch” originally carried by his mother, Pearl, who raised $20,000 for scholarships through a memorial golf tournament before failing health forced her to stop. This year’s tournament will be held Monday, Nov. 9, at The Silos Golf Club in Trussville. Roy said he chose Trussville because it reminds him so much of their hometown of Jacksonville. “I grew up in Jacksonville when Fort McClellan was there — a military town, a very patriotic city — and Trussville is about the same,” Roy said. Roy grew up with three brothers. He especially admired his brother Dwayne, who was four years his senior. Dwayne was best man in Roy’s wedding because Roy’s twin brother, Troy, was overseas. Dwayne and Roy talked a couple of times a week. Dwayne was a star wide receiver, point guard and neighborhood home-run hitter. Roy said, “I used to tell my brother, ‘I can’t wait to be like you.’ And he used to tell me, ‘Be you, little brother.’” Roy’s last conversation with Dwayne was two days before 9/11, when Roy told him they were expecting a son. Roy recalled a trip he, Dwayne and their wives took to Egypt, highlighted by a camel ride. Dwayne noticed the guide steering the camels off the path toward a souvenir stand, but Roy and his wife didn’t catch on until they had spent about $100 on overpriced souvenirs. “Y’all were hoodwinked and bamboozled,” Roy remembered Dwayne telling them. Dwayne is remembered through a bust of his likeness at the Alabama Fallen Warriors Monument in Trussville; books written by Roy and Pearl; and scholarships at Jacksonville State University, where several family
Roy Williams stands beside a pillar bearing his brother’s name at the Alabama Fallen Warriors Memorial in Trussville. He holds a piece of the Pentagon recovered after the Sept. 11 attack. Photos courtesy of Roy Williams.
Maj. Dwayne Williams’ grave marker in Jacksonville, Alabama, is decorated with a wreath and American flags. A nearby bench reads, “We will never forget.” Maj. Dwayne Williams served in the U.S. Army before he was killed at the Pentagon on Sept. 11, 2001.
members attended, and at the University of North Alabama, Dwayne’s alma mater. Future plans include a foundation, which
would fund additional scholarships and also shed light on the other six Alabamians killed that day. Roy has been moved by the outpouring of support from the Trussville community. “I really appreciate the people of Trussville
who reached out to my family and supported us, came to our concerts and just paid their respects,” Roy said. For more information on the tournament, please contact Roy at 205-572-1359 or roywillwrite@gmail.com.
November 2026 • 15
CahabaSun.com
EVENTS
Save the Date
TRIVIA NIGHT AT FERUS ARTISAN ALES ► Where: Ferus Artisan Ales, 101 Beech St., Suite 111 ► When: Nov. 2, 9, 16, 23 and 30, 7-9 p.m. ► Details: Test your knowledge during Monday Night Trivia at Ferus Artisan Ales. Most weeks feature general-knowledge questions, while the final Monday of the month features themed trivia. Gather a team, enjoy food and drinks, and compete for prizes and bragging rights. ► More Info: ferusales.com
► For more events news, connect with the Cahaba Sun online by scanning the QR code. ► Have an upcoming event to share? Email Kyle Parmley at kparmley@starnesmedia.com.
TRUSSVILLE MERCHANTS ASSOCIATION HOLIDAY OPEN HOUSE ► Where: Participating Trussville businesses ► When: Nov. 5-7; hours vary by participating business ► Cost: Free ► Details: Kick off the holiday shopping season during the Trussville Merchants Association Holiday Open House. Shoppers are invited to visit participating local businesses throughout the three-day event and browse holiday gifts, seasonal merchandise and more while supporting Trussville merchants. ► More Info: trussvillechamber.com
SECOND ANNUAL MATT’S KIDS FOUNDATION CRUISE-IN ► Where: Clearbranch Methodist, 8051 Glenn Road ► When: Nov. 14, 9:01 a.m. to 12:01 p.m. ► Details: Matt’s Kids Foundation hosts its second annual Cruise-In at Clearbranch Methodist. The community car event brings vehicles and visitors together for a morning gathering in support of the foundation.
TRUSSVILLE LIBRARY
THE ENDURING LEGACY OF SUBSISTENCE HOMESTEADS IN ALABAMA AND TENNESSEE ► Where: Trussville Historical Museum, 225 Parkway Drive ► When: Nov. 14, 10:30 a.m. ► Details: Historian Beth Hunter presents a program exploring the legacy of New Deal-era subsistence homesteads in Alabama and Tennessee. The presentation examines government homestead programs created during the Great Depression and some of the unconventional ideas behind them. ► More Info: trussvillehistory.org
NORTH POLE EXPO ► Where: Trussville Civic Center, 5381 Trussville Clay Road ► When: Nov. 20, 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.; Nov. 21, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.; Nov. 22, 1-4 p.m. ► Cost: Free admission and on-site parking ► Details: Get a head start on holiday shopping at the North Pole Expo, a three-day holiday market featuring more than 150 vendors. The event also includes live entertainment, food trucks and a visit from Santa, making it a festive outing for shoppers and families. ► More Info: trussville.org
► Nov. 4: Dungeons & Dragons — Adventures. 4-5:30 p.m. Trussville Public Library, Cahaba and Parkway rooms, 201 Parkway Drive. Teens can join an ongoing tabletop role-playing adventure designed to encourage creativity, teamwork and cooperation. Registration is required. ► Nov. 7: ACT Prep. 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Trussville Public Library, LBK Auditorium, 201 Parkway Drive. Students can take part in an extensive ACT review session featuring test-taking tips and practice activities. Registration is required. ► Nov. 9: Teen Knitting Club. 4:30-6:30 p.m. Trussville Public Library, Board Room, 201 Parkway Drive. Teens can gather for an afternoon of knitting at the library. The November session is currently full. ► Nov. 9: Books & Brews. 7:15-8:30 p.m. Ferus Artisan Ales, Event Room, Trussville. The library’s evening adult book club meets for a monthly discussion while participants enjoy food and drinks at Ferus. ► Nov. 10: Sit, Stay, Read! 3:30-5:30 p.m. Trussville Public Library, Children’s Department, 201 Parkway Drive. Children can practice reading aloud to therapy dogs from Hand in Paw during this dropin program. No registration is required.
16 • November 2026
Cahaba Sun
LIFE
Keasler named Hunter Safety Instructor of the Year By KYLE PARMLEY Trussville resident Hans Keasler received the Hunter Safety Instructor of the Year Award at the Alabama Wildlife Federation’s Governor’s Conservation Achievement Awards banquet Aug. 7 at The Marriott Legends at Capitol Hill in Prattville. The Alabama Wildlife Federation hosted the event, co-sponsored by Alabama Power Co. and PowerSouth Energy. Gov. Kay Ivey provided a video message for the award recipients. The Governor’s Conservation Achievement Awards have been presented by the federation for more than 50 years to individuals and organizations that contribute to the conservation of Alabama’s wildlife and natural resources. Keasler began volunteering with the Alabama Hunter Safety Education Program in 2024. In two years, he has taught 180 students in central Alabama through the program. Colleagues described Keasler’s teaching style as interactive and adaptable to students of different ages and backgrounds. One peer said, “Hans spends his own money to purchase materials to enhance the experience. When asked why, he simply stated: ‘If it prevents even
Presenting the award to Hans Keasler were Taylor Williams with PowerSouth Energy; Tim Wood, AWF president; Nicole Faulk with Alabama Power Co.; and Chris Blankenship, conservation commissioner. Photo courtesy of David Robertson Photography.
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one hunting or firearm-related accident, it is well worth the investment.’” Another peer said, “If you look up the definition of generosity, and a genuine love for people, you would for sure find a picture of Hans Keasler. He is a person of strong character, integrity and reliability.” The Westervelt Co., Lockheed Martin, the Tennessee Valley Authority, Alabama Farm Credit and Alabama Ag Credit Land & Farm Lenders sponsored the event’s social. Additional support came from David and Kelly Thomas, Catherine and Ralph Martin III, the National Wildlife Federation, the University of South Alabama’s Stokes School of Marine and Environmental Sciences, Josh and Mary Virginia Mandell, Lee Thuston, Three Notch Group and Russell Lands. The Governor’s Conservation Achievement Awards program promotes broader awareness of conservation practices statewide. The Alabama Wildlife Federation, founded by sportsmen in 1935, is the state’s oldest and largest citizens’ conservation organization. The nonprofit’s mission is to promote conservation and responsible use of the state’s wildlife and natural resources.
18 • November 2026
Cahaba Sun
Bobby Mason builds business by building people By DIANE POOLE
When Bobby Mason’s wife, Robin, was pregnant with their third son, she left her job as a teacher to stay home with the boys. Mason took the family out for a hot dog dinner at a local gas station one night and told Robin he had quit his job. Mason recalled: “I’ll never forget the sound of her heavy metal cast chair as she pushed it back, leaned across the table, grabbed my chubby cheeks and said, ‘Did you pray about this?’” “Yes, ma’am, I did,” Mason said. It was a rare moment of hesitation from Robin, who has supported him throughout the SPOC journey. Mason’s father owned a company that collapsed after a $12 million job was not properly bonded. Mason worked for his dad at that time and then for the takeover company, whose culture Mason described as “toxic.” He was tasked with firing some of the hardworking employees and knew they deserved better. He quit his job and started a new company, SPOC Energy, a power conversion technology company based in Trussville. “I hired seven of the people I had to fire,” Mason said. “My dad worked out his tenure and joined us a few years later, and we’ve just been blessed ever since.” From the beginning, Mason wanted SPOC to treat people differently. That philosophy eventually became its formalized Lift Up Culture. Mason’s book is “Tuesday in Trussville: How One Small Town’s Lift Up Culture Is Shaping the Future of Business.” Although the book is aimed at leaders, Mason said its message isn’t limited to CEOs, founders and managers. “This is a book, I hope and pray, that’s going to make people think about why they want to be a leader,” Mason said. “Should they be a leader? If so, how to create a culture that is positive and lifts people up.” “The opening scene in the book happens on a Tuesday, a theme that recurs throughout the book,” Mason said. “We all have our Tuesday in Trussville moments. Trussville’s home. It’s my home. It’s the company’s home. We like it here. We are proud of it.” There’s a word businesses don’t like to use. “It’s a dirty little word that you never
Bobby Mason with his book “Tuesday in Trussville” in the office of SPOC Energy in Trussville on Sept. 17. Photo by Savannah Schmidt.
hear in a corporate boardroom,” Mason said. “That dirty little word is love. My people know I love them.” Mason believes that approach is exactly what the next generation of workers is looking for. “We can make a difference — especially with these young people today who aren’t working just for a paycheck,” Mason said. “They’re looking for purpose. One goal is to be known internationally for our Lift Up Culture; another one is to be a billion-dollar company that did it scaling a positive Lift Up Culture.” When SPOC’s revenue plunged from the mid-to-upper $60 million range to $18 million during COVID, Mason promised employees they would continue receiving their paychecks. “We field-tested the culture,” Mason said. “The people here know, without a shadow of a doubt, we’re gonna do the right thing. If it means cratering, we’re gonna do the right thing because that’s what we do.” Mason is the subject of the YouTube docuseries “Tender Rednecks,” a name coined by creator and producer Dennis Ross after reading Mason’s definition of rednecks as “salt-of-the-earth, hardworking men and
women who are good stewards and sacrificial givers.” Ross wrote “redneck” on a whiteboard and asked Mason what word he had never heard paired with it. Ross said, “It describes you to a T. It’s tender. Tender Redneck.” Randy Nelms, an inside salesman for SPOC, has known Mason since the days when they both worked for Mason’s father — about 38 years. Nelms recalled one particular time that Mason put others first. “Bobby and Senior [his dad] have always had a passion for the outdoors,” Nelms said. “I do too. I’ve always loved to fish and hunt and anything related to getting outside and enjoying God’s creation. One thing they [the Masons] had always loved was saltwater fishing.” After business at SPOC started going well, Mason and his dad bought a couple of smaller boats, and then they found a 64-foot Hatteras in South Florida.
Bobby Mason’s new book. Photo courtesy of SPOC Energy.
CahabaSun.com
November 2026 • 19
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Bobby Mason holds his book “Tuesday in Trussville” in the office of SPOC Energy in Trussville on Sept. 17. Photo by Savannah Schmidt.
“They bought the boat and brought it from South Florida to Orange Beach,” Nelms said, “and then put it in the shop to have work done to get it ready. That’s about the time we found out my brother Larry had cancer.” As the Masons prepared the boat for its first outing, they talked about all the things they hoped to do with it, including ministry opportunities. But when it was finally ready, the Masons invited Nelms and his three brothers, including Larry, on the boat’s first trip. “There are tons of stories about the Masons taking care of employees and about ministry opportunities,” Nelms said. “The first time they took that boat out was to take care of somebody else.” Nelms said the Lift Up Culture that began at the top has become such a normal part of life at SPOC that employees now look for opportunities to take care of one another. New employees notice something else too. After only two or three weeks on the job, Nelms said new employees often remark, “I’ve never been anywhere where there’s so much laughter.” Diagnosed in his 40s, Mason now considers dyslexia a gift rather than a limitation. “I was told in school I was stupid,”
Mason said. “I believed it. I knew I was smart. I just couldn’t prove it through academia because I learned differently.” Throughout SPOC’s growth, Mason said Robin has remained his “right hand.” “She is extremely prayerful,” Mason said. “And SPOC wouldn’t exist without her. None of this works well without her.” Mason comes to work every day with one thing in mind. “I could literally walk away today and never come in here,” Mason said, “and it would run flawlessly. I come in because I love it, and I love the people. I get an opportunity to keep that door open and invest in people every day.” Approaching 60, with three grown sons and three young granddaughters, Mason knows what his legacy will be. “It’s not about money,” Mason said. “It’s about purpose, impact and legacy. That’s exactly where I’m sitting today.” “We started by trying to build successful people,” Mason said. “Business can’t help but be successful. If you want to build a successful organization, it starts with people.” Mason’s book, “Tuesday in Trussville,” was released Oct. 27. Visit robertlmason. com for more information.
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