Perry Wallace (1948–2017), broke down racial barriers in college basketball

Perry Wallace, who broke down a racial barrier in the Deep South by becoming the first black varsity basketball player in the Southeastern Conference, has died after a battle with cancer.

Ernest Finney (1931–2017), South Carolina's first African-American chief justice

He was a prominent civil rights attorney before becoming chief justice…

Ron Meyer (1941 – 2017), Patriots head coach during infamous “Snowplow Game”

Former head coach of SMU, Patriots and Colts…

Johnny Hallyday (1943 – 2017), the Elvis Presley of France

France’s biggest rock star sold more than 100 million records.

Steve Reevis (1962 – 2017), played Shep Proudfoot in “Fargo”

Steve Reevis, the actor known for his supporting roles in “Fargo” and “Dances with Wolves,” has died, according to The Associated Press. He was 55.

Kevin Robinson, BMX rider won four gold medals at the X Games

Guinness World Record holder for longest power assisted bicycle backflip… 

Tracy Stallard (1937–2017), pitcher gave up Roger Maris' record 61st home run in 1961

Pitched for the Red Sox, Mets and Cardinals.

Simeon Booker (1918–2017), first full-time African-American reporter at The Washington Post

His courageous coverage of the civil rights movement brought it national attention.

Ed Lee (1952–2017), San Francisco's first Asian-American mayor

SAN FRANCISCO (AP) — MayorEdLee, who oversaw a technology-driven economic boom in San Francisco that brought with it sky-high housing prices despite his commitment to economic equality, died suddenly early Tuesday at age 65.

Bruce Brown (1937–2017), director of the influential surf movie “Endless Summer”

His film brought surfing into mainstream culture.

Suzanna Leigh (1945 – 2017), starred with Elvis Presley in the movie “Paradise, Hawaiian Style.”

Named herself after her godmother Vivien Leigh…

Zarley Zalapski (1968 – 2017), former NHL defenseman

CALGARY, Alberta (AP) - Former NHL defenseman Zarley Zalapski has died at age 49, according to the Calgary Flames. No cause of death was given.

Tommy Nobis (1943 – 2017), longtime Atlanta Falcons linebacker

Tommy Nobis, longtime Atlanta Falcons linebacker, died Wednesday, Dec. 13, 2017, following an extended illness, according to The Associated Press. He was 74.

Pat DiNizio (1955 – 2017), lead singer for The Smithereens

Pat DiNizio, lead singer and songwriter for the rock band The Smithereens, died Tuesday, Dec. 12, 2017, according to The Associated Press. He was 62.

Frank Lary (1930 – 2017), Detroit Tigers pitcher dubbed the “Yankee Killer”

Frank Lary, former All-Star Detroit Tigers pitcher, died Wednesday, Dec. 13, 2017, after being hospitalized with pneumonia, according to The Associated Press. He was 87.

Keely Smith (1928 – 2017), singer known for her music and comedy act with Louis Prima

The duo won a Grammy for the song "That Old Black Magic"…

Kevin Mahogany (1958 – 2017), jazz singer renowned for his rich baritone

Kevin Mahogany, renowned baritone jazz singer, died Sunday, Dec. 17, 2017, according to The Associated Press. He was 59.

Bernard Law (1931 – 2017), disgraced former archbishop of Boston

Cardinal Bernard Law, the disgraced former archbishop of Boston who was the central authority figure in the American Catholic Church sexual abuse scandal, died Wednesday, Dec. 20, 2017, according to the Vatican. He was 86.

Reggie “Combat Jack” Ossé (1969–2017), host of the popular hip-hop podcast “The Combat Jack Show”

The show featured interviews with hip-hop stars such as Common.

Dick Enberg (1935 – 2017), “Oh, my!” was sportscaster’s signature call

Dick Enberg, a Hall of Fame broadcaster known as much for his excited calls of “Oh my!” as the big events he covered during a 60-year career, has died. He was 82.

Bruce McCandless (1937–2017), first astronaut to fly untethered in space

Bruce McCandless wasthe first astronaut to fly untethered in space.

Kent Damon (2017), Matt Damon's father

Matt raised awareness for multiple myeloma after his dad’s diagnosis…

Heather Menzies-Urich (1949–2017), played Louisa von Trapp in "The Sound of Music"

She also starred as Jessica 6 on TV’s “Logan's Run.”

Johnny Bower (1924–2017), beloved Toronto Maple Leafs goalie

Four-time Stanley Cup winner named to the Hockey Hall of Fame.

Raymond Brown (1936–2017), Ole Miss Football star was Sugar Bowl MVP in 1958

Played for the Colts in the NFL and later practiced law…

Ramon Regalado (1917–2017), survivor of World War II Bataan Death March

The Filipino veteran received a Congressional Gold Medal in October.

Rose Marie (1923–2017), starred as Sally Rogers on "The Dick Van Dyke Show"

She had a nine decade career in Hollywood.

Sue Grafton (1940–2017), alphabet mystery novelist

Author's Kinsey Millhone series began 35 years ago with "A is for Alibi."

Erica Garner (1990–2017), activist for police accountablity

Daughter of Eric Garner, 21st century civil rights icon.

Peggy Cummins (1925–2017), star of noir classic “Gun Crazy”

The Welsh-born actress made her mark as the lethal, beret-wearing robber in the noir classic "Gun Crazy."

Darlanne Fluegel (1953–2017), stunning star of 1980s crime dramas

Darlanne Fluegel, the stunning star of 1980s crime dramas, died after a lengthy battle with Alzheimer’s disease.