DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. – Bethune-Cookman University Athletics has learned of the passing of Willie "Foots" Lee, a former Wildcat All-American defensive tackle. He was 67.
A local product, Lee played his high school ball at Campbell High School before coming to Bethune-Cookman and establishing himself as one of the nation's premier defensive players. Standing at an intimidating 6-5, 260 pounds, Wildcat coach Wesley Moore said at the time Lee "wears 16-EEE shoes and has arms like a blacksmith."
After a tour of duty in the United States Army that included 11 months in Vietnam as an infantryman, Lee was driving a semi-tractor trailer when Athletic Director Lloyd "Tank" Johnson convinced him to give football another try.
Along with Earl Inman, Lee anchored a Wildcat defense that complemented a potent offense led by the likes of Willie Collins and Wayne Allen that made Bethune-Cookman the dominant force in the Southern Intercollegiate Athletic Conference of that day. The Wildcats were 32-11-1 during Lee's tenure from 1972-75.
Lee was a part of Bethune-Cookman's 1973 and 1974 victories against Florida A&M. The 1973 and 1975 teams were SIAC champions, and the 1974 team defeated Langston in the Azalea Bowl.
After two All-SIAC nods, Lee was named an Associated Press All-American in 1975.
He was selected by Kansas City in the fifth round of the 1976 National Football League draft and spent two seasons with the Chiefs, appearing in 28 games and starting 13 in the 1976 and 1977 seasons. Lee did score one defensive touchdown for the Chiefs on a 10-yard fumble recovery against the Houston Oilers on November 27, 1977.
Lee returned to Bethune-Cookman as an assistant coach, first under Bobby Frazier and Larry Little from 1982-1986 and again under Alvin B. Wyatt, Sr. He also was a defensive line coach at Ft. Lauderdale Dillard High School.
Lee's son, Xavier, was a standout quarterback at Seabreeze HS who was named Mr. Florida Football and State 3A player of the year in 2002 before going on to play at Florida State.
Earlier in the week, Bethune-Cookman learned of the passing of All-SIAC offensive lineman Clarence Clay, a teammate of Lee's. Clay's memorial service was Friday in College Park, Ga.
"Today we pause to celebrate the lives of two former Wildcat greats who have been called to Glory," said Vice President of Intercollegiate Athletics
Lynn W. Thompson. "Willie was my teammate and good friend. He was a leader and a tremendous football player. The only thing bigger than his massive body was his huge heart. What a great friend he was! I miss him already."
Funeral services are pending.
This story will be updated.
