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Bill Willis Obituary
Willis, who had been battling a short illness, died Tuesday evening, said school spokesman Steve Snapp, who was notified of the death by one of Willis' sons. No other details were released.
Willis, an All-American in 1943 and 1944, had his No. 99 jersey retired at halftime of the Wisconsin-Ohio State game on Nov. 3 at Ohio Stadium.
He had a distinguished career with the Browns (1946-53), helping to break the color barrier in professional football. Willis was inducted into both the college and pro football Halls of Fame.
Willis played both offense and defense for the Browns but won acclaim as a defensive middle guard on a five-man front. He made a touchdown-saving tackle in a playoff game against the New York Giants that allowed the Browns to advance and eventually win the 1950 championship game in their first year in the NFL.
With the Buckeyes, Willis was a devastating blocker on offense and a punishing, relentless tackler on defense, despite his 6-foot-2, 215-pound frame. The Columbus native was a key part of the Buckeyes' 1942 national championship squad.
Copyright © 2007 The Associated Press
83 Entries
Alondra Thompson
May 22, 2024
What a great friend, remember him when I was a little girl. He put his champion ship rings on me. He gave great picnics. Good Guy. Miss ya Bucky .
anonymous
March 7, 2015
If not for the movie about the 4 forgotten men who integrated the NFL. I wouldn't know who you are. But I am thankful for you your life and your legacy. For in this day and age of the black youth dying younger and younger. You have truly left us an example of what perseverance looks like and an example of how to overcome with skills and a powerful mind set. I thank God for you and the life you lived. May you continue to SIP as your legacy is exposed to younger generations leaving them as inspired as I am.
Tony D.
March 3, 2008
If I were to live a thousand years, there is a good chance that I would never meet another human being as great as Bill Willis. To me he represented all that can be great about God's creation called man. And I say this without taking into account the fact that he played football. While he was a Hall of Famer in football, he was much more than that as a husband, father, and friend. We should never forget Bill Willis and the pure, selfless life that he lived. God Bless.
Ronald Glover
February 12, 2008
Thank you for sacrificing so much of your self so that I can have the same dreams for my son that God has allowed you to make possible for all of us.
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Marcia&Loyce Garner
December 2, 2007
Our thoughts and prayers are with you in your time of grief. May your memories bring you comfort.
josephine kennedy
December 2, 2007
may god be with u.
Vanessa Selig
December 2, 2007
I am so sorry to hear of his passing.It's a shame.I hope that He led a wonderful life and had no regrets.Lord knows if I were in his shoes,I would not have had any regrets.Amazing!May you Rest In Peace,Sir.God Bless to all who knew this wonderful Man.
James & Danielle Starks
December 2, 2007
May God your family, during this time! May he give you strength and peace within. Bill Willis changed football forever and changed life for all africian americans playing football. He successfully served his purpose in life. He's a true angel.
December 1, 2007
My thoughts and prayers are with all of you in this time of sorrow. May God bless.
Viola Brill
December 1, 2007
My sincere sympathy goes to the family. You must be very proud of the brave road that your father paved in a very difficult time in American History.
He played long before my time. But as a former Buckeye it makes me proud that he accomplished all he did for Ohio State and Americans.
God Bless him and your family.
Take comfort he is in God's
Heavenly arms. Amen.
Valena Minor Williams
December 1, 2007
Bill and Odessa were such good friends when John and I lived in Cleveland. Our children --their boys our girls --were toddlers and infants with so many good times together. Bill was always so gentle......he phoned our girls as "Santa from the North Pole". Our family will always hold the Willises in our hearts. They are a part of us -- forever.
R D
December 1, 2007
My condolence for the loss of your Father.One day soon the Bible promise thet death, sickness will be no more Rev.21:1-4. And the earth will be come a paradise Psalm 37:9-11. Most of all you will reunited with your loved ones again on this paradise earth in good health.
Will Crosby
November 30, 2007
I am happy to have met this trendsetter Mr.Willis, I had the pleasure to meet him through his son Clem and I was so happy to be in his presence what he ment to African-American be a role model to accomplish what you will or should I say Mr.Willis is a HERO and my condolence are with the Willis Family
Stacey Sourwine
November 30, 2007
To the Willis family
I had the distinct pleasure of participating in Mr. Willis' care in his final weeks. It was an honor to get to know him. I will remember him fondly. May God give you comfort and peace in this time of grief.
OPAL COATS
November 30, 2007
THANK GOD FOR YOU,MR.WILLIS.YOU HAVE PAVE THE WAY FOR US.TO THE FAMILY LOOK TO THE HILLS WERE YOUR STRENGHT COME FROM.GOD WAS READY FOR HIS SHINING STAR TO COME LIGHT THE WAY.THANK GOD FOR ALL THE YEARS YOU HAD HIM HERE.JUST REMEMEBER THE GOOD TIMES. HE WILL BE IN YOUR HEART FOREVER.MAY GOD BLESS THE FAMILY,IN JESUS NAME.
Connie McLarty/Anderson
November 30, 2007
I am a cousin, by marriage, of Bill's late wife Odessa. While attending college in Cleveland in 1951-52 Bill and Odessa were my only family and took me under their wings. I'll always remember "Big Bill" as one of the most gentle and kindness men I've ever known. I recall looking at him with amazement as he held his youngest newborn, Dan, in those amazingly big hands. To know him was to know the "real deal." Much love and sympathy to Will,Jr, Clem and Dan.
A Proud OSU AKA
November 30, 2007
From a fellow Buckeye to another...Thanks for making a tremendous difference. May God Bless and give peace to members of the family.
jamie
November 30, 2007
Your race is won..Rest in Peace...Condolences to your loved ones....Jamie
Ms Bea
November 29, 2007
Dear Willis Family,
I send my condolence to you. I know it's very painful to loose a loved one, though I never seen him play, it's wonderful to know that he lived to be 86. I read in the Bible that men can live even longer -forever as stated in Psalms 37:29. Almighty God has given all men a guarantee of a resurrection in that he raised his son, Jesus back to life from the dead. -Acts. 17:31. All pray the Lord's Prayer, in it we are asking for God's Kingdom to come, Matthew 6:9. That one administration is the only one that will make possible God's promises through Jesus Christ. I hope you have fond memories of Bill and have confidence in God's promises.
Deepest Sympathy,
Charles E. Campbell
November 29, 2007
I met Mr. Bill Willis at the Thursday Luncheon Club at the Elder Ward YMCA a few years ago. I respected him for his opinions. His brother, Mr. Claud Willis and I are belong to the same fraternity. I offer my sincere condolescence to the Willis Family.
John Lumpkin
November 29, 2007
Brother Willis,
I can't say it enough, Thank you for paving the way for people like me. Your number being retired brought tears to my eyes because it was a victory for all the black men that have followed you. God bless your family in their time of need.
Y.I.T.B
MICHAEL BUSH
November 29, 2007
RIP Mr. Willis....you're a class act that will truely be missed.....
Narvin Yarbrough
November 29, 2007
Bill,
Thank God for your will to change the football world and the lives of so many youths. We praise God for your will and determination to by a change agent. Although I never meet you and want to tell my sons about you and how you changed the lives of so many.
louis carwell
November 29, 2007
a pretty good football player,rest in peace bill.
Kevin Wolfe
November 29, 2007
Bill,
you ran the race, JOB WELL DONE. God Bless, R.I.P., my sincere prayers and condolences to the family. My uncle Melvin Walker ran track with Jesse Owens at OSU and told me what
is was like back then, especially when they had an away meet. To Bill
and all the other OSU Athletes that passed on to Glory, I truly thank
the Lord for using you in a special way.
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Tom Gugliuzza-Smith
November 29, 2007
My heartfelt sympathy to the Willis family in the loss of Bill.
Joshua & Lois Ingram
November 28, 2007
We were so sorry to hear of your loss. The thoughts of many are with you at this time of sorrow.
Tecumseh Stewart
November 28, 2007
My thoughts and prayers are for the family and friends. God bless...
Sherry Gray
November 28, 2007
May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.
Lisa Bramlett
November 28, 2007
I had the great pleasure of participating in the care of Mr. Willis in his final weeks. It was a humbling experience to be in the presence of such a kind, devoted and loving human being. He will be greatly missed by all that had the good fortune of meeting him.
Karla & Bob Lortz
November 28, 2007
Our heartfelt condolences to the Willis family. Unlike many of you, I knew Bill in a professional capacity after football. He was kind & gentel & full of quiet wisdom. In recent times, we had the honor & pleasure of reaquainting as members of First Congregational UCC Church. God Bless & keep you, Bill. We will miss you!
ROY TURNER
November 28, 2007
Take comfort in knowing that now you have a special guardian angel to watch over you.
November 28, 2007
RIP
Deepest sympathies to the family.
Bob Evans Sr.
November 28, 2007
I would like to convey my condolences to the family of Bill Willis.Growing up in the South, there were no black football players in the white colleges. My friends and I would buy and exchange sports magazines and it was always an honor to see photos of Marion Motley, Bill Willis and Horace Gilliam of the Cleveland Browns. They along with Woody STrode, Kenny WAshington paved the way for all of the black football athletes. I only wish that the younger players had had the opportunity to learn of his exploits on the gridiron and in the community. My prayers are with the family during their period of grief, bereavement and mourning. Knowing about him made me determine to be a good football player in the armed forces.as well as an upright citizen .I hope that all future football players at all levels will emulate his life, because they owe him a great debt of gratitude.
Jim Wilkins
November 28, 2007
There are and continue to be many great people whose name is associated with the Ohio State University. But, in my heart there is none greater than Bill Willis. He has been recognized for his many accomplishments on the football field, capped by the recent retirement of the number he wore (99) while playing for the Ohio State Buckeyes! But, his greatness goes beyond the football field. I know he was a great father as I was fortunate to have worked a few years with one of his sons who exemplified the best character of anybody I ever knew. Bill Willis' legacy will continue to live on through his children and their families.
Tom Pietrowski
November 28, 2007
I met Mr. willis when he brought hs son to Ohio University.
I was a young resident assisant.
His prospective roommate's father did not want his son sharing a room with a black person.
Mr. Willis asked me for a chance to meet and talk with the people involved.
He resolved it in minuets and broke down racial barriers in seconds.
The two became unbelievable friends.
We spoke severaltimes.
It was an honor to know him.
November 28, 2007
Take comfort in knowing that now you have a special guardian angel to watch over you.
November 28, 2007
It's never easy dealing with the loss of a loved one by ourselves. Please accept my condolences. May the almighty God Jehovah be with you during this trying time.
Remember Revelation 7:16,17 "They will hunger no more nor thirst anymore neither will the sun beat down upon them nor any scorching heat, because the Lamb who is in the midst of the throne, will shepherd them and will guide them to foutains of waters oflife. And God will wipe out every tear from their eyes."
Sincerely,
Wanisha
[email protected]
--
ron kisner
November 28, 2007
As a young, bright-eyed boy, i have the late, great Bill Willis--and his namesake son--to thank for providing me the awesome experience of visiting the Cleveland Browns' locker room to gaze into the granite-like, bigger-than-life faces of Jim Brown, Bob Gain, Bobby Mitchell, Lou Groza and other legendary teammates of Mr. Willis. May God bless his soul, and the memories left for his family to cherish.
Peter Drake
November 28, 2007
My father, Phil Drake, played with Bill Willis on the 1942 National Championship team. He always spoke highly of Mr. Willis.
OSU's second year coach, Paul Brown, saw character, intelligence and talent in a man when many other coaches only saw skin color.
I was thrilled to be at the Wisconsin game this year when they retired his number.
Kenneth Cole
November 28, 2007
Bill Willis a great man and a great leader. Bill will be remembered for his athletic greatness. It is deserved, but his greatest gift was
that he was an even greater Human Being.
Gregory Lockett
November 28, 2007
Claude, you and your family are in our Prayers- if you need anything just call me.
Dennis Bunda
November 28, 2007
Willis Family:
Any time a Buckeye dies, it is a huge loss. Being a Buckeye historian, Bill was a trailblazer not only Ohio State football, but for the NFL as well. However, a man is marked by his character and Bill, without question, was one of the best! He will be missed. Go Bucks!!!
Keenan Delaney
November 28, 2007
As the son of Ohio State's first black athletic administrator (Dick Delaney), our family has always known that if it wasn't for the path Mr. Willis forged at The Ohio State University, my father would have never had his opportunity. He respected and admired Mr. Willis and considered him a close friend and advisor.
My heartfelt condolences go out to the Willis family.
Mr. Willis, thank you and God Bless!
Bob Hunt
November 28, 2007
The greatest Buckeye of all time. I remember Bill Willis at Ohio State and the Cleveland Browns - he was truly the BEST!!!
God Bless you and your entire family.
The Staff of Gary Memorial Chapel
November 28, 2007
May God continue to bless the Willis family. Our prayers are with you during this time. Your father was truly a legend and pillar for our community.
Victoria Pannell
November 28, 2007
Clem & Family:
Please accept my deepest sympathy for the loss of your father. May God bring you comfort and peace during this time.
It was truly an honor to have known your father. What a privilege.
You and your family are in my thoughts and prayers.
D.L. ZIMMERMAN
November 28, 2007
REST IN PEACE, BILL WILLIS
Diann Thomas Beasley
November 28, 2007
To the Willis Family
I had the opportunity to meet Bill two years ago. On the three ocassions I met with him he was very friendly to me and others.
Ohio and the nation will truly miss this man, a man of courage and strength.
God Bless you.
Sam Hopkins
November 28, 2007
To the Willis family:
I am deeply saddened by Bill's passing. Bill and I had many talks about family, life, and sports at meetings, picnics, and neighborhood stops. We had a connection that always made me feel that I was on a higher level.
I know that Claude, my first coach, is taking Bill's passing hard. I know how close they were. Many of my character strengths I learned from Claude as a Jr. Y-Leader at the Spring Street YMCA. Both men are a major part of who I am.
Sam Hopkins
November 28, 2007
To the Willis family:
I am deeply saddened by Bill's passing. Bill and I had many talks about family, life, and sports at meetings, picnics, and neighborhood stops. We had a connection that always made me feel that I was on a higher level.
I know that Claude, my first coach, is taking Bill's passing hard. I know how close they were. Many of my character strengths I learned from Claude as a Jr. Y-Leader at the Spring Street YMCA. Both men are a major part of who I am.
Jim McCullough
November 28, 2007
I read many books about OSU football when I was a child and read of the legendary exploits of Bill Willis. Ohio State is privileged to have had such a person as a graduate. We should all attempt to lift ourselves to his level of achievement and conduct.
Ryan Kerr
November 28, 2007
My sympothy to his family, God Bless and Go Bucks! One last time.
Chris Dawkins
November 28, 2007
To Claude and the family of Bill Willis:
It was with great pleasure to spend my Thursdays with Bill at the Thursday Noon Club. All your "shenanigans" and the life you brought to the luncheon will be missed.
Thank you for a life well lived. You are truly a giant of a role model for Black Folk everywhere! I'm proud to have known you.
The Ohio State University will miss you, the Browns will miss you, the Columbus community will miss you and I will miss you.
Job well done!
Robin Ferguson
November 28, 2007
To the family- May you find peace in that he is in a better place now. He was truly a great man and opened doors for many great athletes that followed him. I had an opportunity to meet Mr. Willis at my father's (Bob Ferguson)funeral in January, 2005 and I was truly honored and touched that he cared so much! I agree with you, Mr Willis Jr.,so many people knew our fathers as great football players, but few knew the wonderful fathers they were to their children. Your father will be truly missed!
ray interlandi
November 28, 2007
Take comfort in knowing that now you have a special guardian angel to watch over you.
Joe Mascio
November 28, 2007
Bill was a great teammate and a better friend and I enjoyed all the conacts in later years. He will truly be missed.
Terry Ryan
November 28, 2007
Mr. Willis was a great man. Best wishes and condolences to Bill, Jr., who I was lucky enough to meet this summer, and the rest of the Willis family. Thank you for everything.
Bill Lange
November 28, 2007
Although you were a tough and relentless football player, I will miss your kind and gentle nature at First Congregational Church. Thanks for your perserverence in being a guiding light for truly demonstrating how to live life.
Joel Nelson
November 28, 2007
RIP. Thank you so much for all you have given Ohio State, Cleveland, and all parts in between. We are all better because of your presence. Your debt can never be repaid or fully appreciated.
Vince Workman
November 28, 2007
As Former Buckeye and NFL player i owe Mr. Willis for allowing myself and other blacks the opportunity to play at the highest level.Thank you Mr. Willis
Shane Shope
November 28, 2007
God Bless
Dave Clark
November 28, 2007
Thanks for a life well lived. You were a Brown and a Buckeye, one of the best, and that was all I needed as a child. God bless your family and all that remember and love you.
Mustaf Ahmahlabiday
November 28, 2007
I'm thankful Bill lived to see his number retired. Rest in peace.
Fredia Lacey
November 28, 2007
To: The Willis Family
We would like to send all of you our condolences during your time of sorrow. May God grant you the strength to endure such a great loss.
Mr.& Mrs. Murray Lacey & Daughters
B.H.
November 28, 2007
Rest in peace. Truly a great man and Buckeye.
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