The award is given to people who have made significant contributions to the state and their community and is the state's highest civilian honor.
Williams led the University of North Carolina basketball team for 18 seasons, winning three national championships.
In his speech, Williams had some special words for the person who's been on that road literally and figuratively with him for more than 50 years, his wife. Wanda.
"Be honest with you folks, I've been around the world and seen a lot of places," Williams said. "And I don't really care about going outside the United States. I'd rather go to Pittsboro, North Carolina, than go to Paris, France. And, nothing against Paris, OK? But someone said you're really going on a trip to Spain, and I said, yes, (Wanda has been to Ames, Iowa, Lubbock, Texas, Stillwater, Oklahoma, Clemson, South Carolina, Blacksburg, Virginia, so she deserves that.
"She's been the rock for our entire family, and it's been a great ride," Williams added, getting a little emotional.
Roy and Wanda Williams will be celebrating their 52nd wedding anniversary next summer -- still staunch supporters of UNC basketball.
Cooper also presented Hurricanes Head Coach Rod Brind'Amour with the special honor.