Words by Jenny Lynn Davis | Images by Ryan McGill
In June 2023, Greg Williams and his wife, Tammy, were deep in wedding planning when they found themselves rethinking their options for a reception venue.
Instead of spending money elsewhere, they decided to invest in their own venture. The vacant Williams Furniture building along Highway 78 West—a space with untapped potential and a rich history—was the perfect choice.
Williams Furniture was established in 1982 by Greg’s parents, Bobbie and Eudene Williams, and became a beloved local business.
Greg and his brothers, Bart and Jeff, and Jeff’s wife Laura, joined the business as partners, expanding the store’s offerings significantly over the years.
However, when Interstate 22 was constructed, traffic was diverted away from the stretch of highway between Jasper and Carbon Hill, leading to a gradual decline in business.
Eventually, the Williams brothers decided to close the store, leaving the building empty for several years.
Determined to transform the space, Greg and Tammy envisioned a vibrant event venue.
“We saw this as an opportunity to breathe new life into a space with so much family history,” says Greg.
Today, the Williams Furniture Event Venue boasts approximately 8,000 square feet of space, perfect for hosting weddings, receptions, showers, parties, and reunions.
The venue features a catering and prep area, a stage, and a lounge area with a TV. Future plans include adding bridal suite and dressing room spaces, a pool table, converting the bar area into a full kitchen, and adding another bathroom to accommodate guests.
As a tribute to the building’s origins, a portrait of Greg’s parents hangs in the venue, serving as a reminder of the family’s legacy and the history of Williams Furniture, now beginning a new chapter as an event venue. WL
Those interested in hosting an event at the Williams Furniture Venue may contact Tammy at 205-522-3417.
