Cecil Williamson, a Minister in the Presbyterian Church in America, has had four careers — religion, politics, law and education — and those who know him wonder how he’s found the time to do so much, often at the same time.

Most people try to master one profession or trade, but Williamson is different — a man who has moved easily from the pulpit to city hall, from courtrooms to classrooms during his nearly 70 years. “I just keep going, but I have slowed down a bit,” Williamson said. “I don’t know what I’d do if I ever retired.”

He’s not a man who raises his voice, but he has a way of getting under the skin of critics who go ballistic at times when he questions them about controversial matters. That included Selma’s late Mayor Joe Smitherman, who once threatened to jail Williamson when the councilman alleged unethical and criminal conduct by several city employees.

Williamson’s persistence led to local, state and federal investigations that dragged on for a long time, but eventually resulted in prison sentences for some of the guilty parties. He and the mayor eventually resolved their differences and Smitherman leaned on him for advice. Williamson delivered the eulogy at the mayor’s funeral four years ago.

A proud descendant of Confederate soldiers, Williamson is quick to salute the memories of those involved in “the lost cause.” His outspokenness on that issue has attracted criticism from civil rights leaders who consider him to be on the wrong side of history. “He’s the devil incarnate,” says former Selma Councilman Johnny Leashore, who is black. “He’s a racist, a bigot and a segregationist. He even refused to sign off on a city council resolution calling for extension of the Voting Rights Act. He was the only one to do it.”