Ramblin’ Thunder motorcycle ride helps honor fallen Lowndes County Sheriff ‘Big John’ Williams

LOWNDES COUNTY, Ala. (WAKA Action 8)- An annual motorcycle ride continues to honor fallen Lowndes County Sheriff ‘Big John’ Williams.

The Annual Lowndes County Ramblin’ Thunder brought hundreds of motorcycle riders in for the 120 mile course ride around Lowndes County.

“I just want to thank all of our participants, not only the bikers but all of our participants, for their support and supporting us throughout the years,” says Angela Braxton Rudolph, a co-founder of the event. “We just can’t thank them enough and we just love them we love just love it you know and it just makes my heart bubbles.”

The event included a parade through downtown Hayneville, near the exact spot that Sheriff Williams was killed in 2019.

This year’s event was extra special because it featured a special unveiling of a life-size statue honoring Williams and larger lettering on the courthouse named after him.

“I want to say first thank you so much from the Williams family, especially my mom and I,” says Shanice Williams, the daughter of ‘Big John’ Williams. “It really means a lot to us they could’ve been anywhere, but they’ve come out on this special day to enjoy this day with family and friends and also to honor add to keep my dad’s name alive.”

Organizers say the motorcycle ride also helps fund scholarships for local graduating seniors, with more than $56,000 awarded since 2020.

“It’s for a good cause it goes to the share Big John Williams scholarship fund for the kids in the different counties and we have given them out over the years and it’s continue to grow thanks to the help supporter of our supporters,” says Williams.

For those wanting to donate to the scholarship fund, you can contact Cadence Bank in Hayneville. Ask for Mr. John Lyons or Judge Adrian Johnson. You can also contact Daniel Rudolph at 334-412-8624 and Angela Rudolph at 334-301-4807 for more information.