Joel Makes The Hall

By Clayton Foster

Yes, it’s true! Dr. Dale Van Cantfort, President, of the Friends of Georgia Radio just visited Habersham Broadcasting and the My Country 99.3 WCON studios to announce that Joel Williams, from the My Country Morning Show, has been named to 2026 Hall of Fame Class! We could not be happier, or prouder. Joel Williams is the embodiment of this honor.

I’ve known Joel Williams basically my whole life, and our families have always seemed to intersect. Joel was a couple of years ahead of me in high school. I played football with his younger brother, and his younger sister was in the same class as my younger brother. Like so many families in our community, the Williams family has been involved in countless activities and organizations over the years. Around here, they’ve never been strangers, they’ve always been part of the fabric of our community.

Of course, when you mention Joel Williams, most people immediately think of radio. For close to 50 years, Joel has been doing what he loves—connecting with people through the airwaves. Radio isn’t just a career for him; it’s who he is. Through the years, he’s become a familiar and trusted voice, sharing stories, laughter, local news, sports, and memories with generations of listeners.

But if you really know Joel, you know his love for people doesn’t stop when the microphone goes off. For many years, he’s also spent time working at Jaemor Farms, helping customers pick out the perfect peach, tomato, or whatever else is in season.

Whenever the station is live on location, or at a concert, it is always amazing to see just how many people know Joel and are friends with him.

Joel’s faith is the center of his life, and he will quickly give Jesus all the glory for any honor that might come his way.

And then there’s his wonderful wife, B.J. She also has spent many years on the radio, making Joel and B.J. one of Georgia radio’s great couples. Their story is one of those only-in-radio tales -- they met on a blind date arranged by another broadcasting legend, George Mason Dixon. It seems fitting that two people whose lives revolved around radio would find each other through someone who also left such a lasting mark on the industry.

As much as Joel loves radio, his favorite role is being a husband, father, and grandfather. He and B.J. are incredibly proud of their two daughters, Paige and Meredith, who have grown into remarkable women, and they absolutely light up when talking about their two adorable grandchildren, Leo and Linen. In fact, if you spend more than a few minutes with Joel, chances are you’ll hear a proud “Papa” story or two.

Truthfully, I have seen this day coming for several years. Joel has been in radio a very long time – which is a testament to his character, his moral compass, and devotion to his listeners. Joel has a genuine love for radio and the communities he serves. Whether he’s behind the microphone hosting a morning show, calling a high school football game, or sharing stories from around North Georgia, Joel brings authenticity, warmth, and a wealth of experience to every broadcast. His career spans generations of listeners, countless technological changes, and nearly five decades of country roads, concerts, community events, and early morning alarm clocks. Through it all, Joel has remained dedicated to local radio, proving that great personalities and strong community connections never go out of style.

Congratulations Joel, on this incredible honor. It’s well deserved, and “My Country” couldn’t be happier for one of its own.