William "Bill" Justus

I´ve always been in awe of Billy and really couldn´t accept that we were cousins. He was so much better than any of us {4 boys}. Dad took us out to see him play at Sevier County and I think Fulton won. He did everything for them.

This one hurts. Billy was one of the best men I have ever known. We played Basketball and Football together from the time we were 9-10 years old through High School. He had more discipline than any person I have ever known. Although we had many conversations over the years of our playing together, there is one that stands out. We were in the team bus, heading to Wartburg, our last game of the season in 1964. Billy did the talking. He wanted to help me be a better player. What he taught me that evening was, how to win. "You win by being better prepared than your opponent." You work harder and gain confidence by knowing you have out worked your him. And you win with respect for your fellow competitor. I have, and will continue, to think of him often. His life has been an example I have used over the years for me and others. One other thing I remember; on weekends several of us would gather at the Football Field, divide up and have a Track Meet. I remember one of the teams name was "The Light Blue Swiftees". It was named for my track shoes, a pair of knitted house shoes made for me by my Mother to practice High Jumping in my front yard onto as many quilts as I could sneak out of the house. I think Billy suggested the name. Will miss you my dear friend.

Bill grew up across the street from my family. We were in school together from 1 st grade through college. He was a great person. My fondest memory is of my sisters and Bill and David playing Horse with his basketball.

Bill Justus was the one athlete I looked up to from biddy basketball on. My mother met Bill one day at McDonalds were he worked, and told him how much I idolized him. I was a sophomore and he was a senior. I was devastated
that she told him that. The next morning as I walked in to the school, who is the first person I see. Bill standing there with a group of his friends. I tried to look away but he saw me and said, hey Jack come here a minute. I thought the worst was going to happen. Bill looked at me and said, I met your mother yesterday and she was really nice. Tell her thank you for introducing herself to me. That is when I realized he was more that a great athlete.

I attended school from Belle Morris Elementary, Whittle Sprigs Jr High and Fulton High School with Bill. Played basketball and baseball with him on all these teams. A great athlete and friend.
Sam Cardwell

Playing basketball at the Justus house for many years!