Bigdaddywide Scaled E1724188411340 — The state park now has a new sign to welcome you to the T-pier. (Alabama State Parks)

For many years, James “Big Daddy” Lawler worked toward getting a new T-pier on the Alabama River at Roland Cooper State Park. He got to be there for the pier’s ribbon cutting in 2021.

Now, just months after his death, Lawler’s name will live on next to the pier.

Gov. Kay Ivey dedicated the park’s pier in memory of Lawler, who spent decades dedicated to outdoor recreation in Alabama’s Black Belt region.

Keep reading to find out more about the dedication ceremony + Lawler’s legacy.

Big Daddy Pier

Family and friends of Lawler were at the state park Tuesday morning for the dedication ceremony. Ivey unveiled signage in front of the pier with Lawler’s name + a bench with “Big Daddy” on it.

Lawler lobbied state officials that the pier would benefit tournament fishing efforts along the Alabama River while providing water access year-round.

“Big Daddy was a true champion for conservation and improving outdoor recreation in the Black Belt region of our state. When I talked to him at the ribbon-cutting for this project in 2021, it was clear that his goal was to give more Alabamians access to use this facility and make lifelong memories in the Alabama outdoors. May it serve as a lasting reminder of how much he loved the Black Belt and how he gave back to this beautiful region.”
~ Gov. Kay Ivey

The dedication event was sponsored by the Department of Conservation and Natural Resources, Alabama Black Belt Adventures Association, Alabama Wildlife Federation, Alabama State Parks, the Alabama Bass Trail and Lawler Timber Company.

James Lawler

Pier Ribbon 2 — The new sign includes a bench dedicated to Lawler. (Alabama State Parks)

Lawler, who passed away in February, was renowned as a conservationist, nature enthusiast and supporter of expanded outdoor recreational activities throughout the Black Belt. He hosted a radio and social media series “Gettin’ Outdoors With BDL”

In 2016, Lawler was honored as the recipient of the AWF Governor’s Achievement Award as Conservation Communicator of the Year.

“Big Daddy was definitely one of a kind, and he never gave up when it came to promoting the Black Belt’s amazing outdoor recreational opportunities. This is the perfect way to remember him for his persistent work to improve outdoor recreation in Alabama’s Black Belt.”
~ Alabama Black Belt Adventures Association (ALBBAA) director Pam Swanner