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TO HONOR THE LIFE OF WILLIAM "BILL" WILLIS, SR.
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WHEREAS, BILL WILLIS is well known for his football career at Columbus East High School, The Ohio State University, the Cleveland Browns, and as a coach and athletic director at Kentucky State University; and
WHEREAS, BILL WILLIS was Ohio State's first black football All-American, and his jersey, number 99, was retired at halftime during the Wisconsin-Ohio State football game on November 3, 2007; and
WHEREAS, BILL WILLIS was to football what Jackie Robinson was to baseball and he integrated football in 1946, the year before Jackie Robinson broke the color barrier in baseball; and
WHEREAS, BILL WILLIS played both offense and defense for both Ohio State and the Cleveland Browns, and won acclaim as a middle guard on a five-man defensive front; and
WHEREAS, BILL WILLIS was selected as a first-team all league player three times in the All-American Football Conference and four times in the NFL, which the Browns joined in 1950; and
WHEREAS, BILL WILLIS and the Browns advanced to the championship game in each of Willis' eight pro seasons and captured the AAFC title four times and won the 1950 NFL Championship; and
WHEREAS, BILL WILLIS' distinguished career with the Cleveland Browns was from 1946-1953 and BILL WILLIS has been inducted into four Football Halls of Fame - Columbus East High School, The Ohio State University, the College and the Pro Football Halls of Fame; and
WHEREAS, besides a great love for football BILL WILLIS also had a heart for youth and after retirement from football worked with the Cleveland Recreation Department; and
WHEREAS, BILL WILLIS served as Deputy Director and then Director of the Ohio Department of Youth Services for 20 years, retiring in 1983; and
WHEREAS, BILL WILLIS dedicated his energy and passion in those years to implementing new approaches to treating and rehabilitating troubled youth, many of whom have become productive citizens; and
WHEREAS, BILL WILLIS fought to make sure that incarcerated youth would be able to continue their education and have completed credits that would be transferrable to their permanent school records; and
WHEREAS, BILL WILLIS after his retirement continued to speak to youth groups and share his life lessons with athletes at Ohio State and always stressed that athletes be well mannered so young fans would want to emulate their character; and
WHEREAS, BILL WILLIS and wife Odessa established the "Bill and Odessa Youth Fund" at the Columbus Foundation; and
WHEREAS, Steve Perry, President of the Pro Football Hall of Fame, best summed up BILL WILLIS' life, by saying; "The courage and leadership exemplified by him while leading the cause to break down racial barriers is a model for all of us to live by;" and
WHEREAS, although many football fans will remember BILL WILLIS for his great defensive exploits, most Ohioans would tell you that what he accomplished after his playing days were over, is just as significant, if not even more impressive; and
WHEREAS, BILL WILLIS was an exemplary athlete, statesman, and family man;
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF GAHANNA, STATE OF OHIO:
Section 1. That this Council hereby honors the life of WILLIAM "BILL" WILLIS, SR. for a lifetime of courage and compassion that should be an inspiration to all of us.
Section 2. That this resolution shall be in full force and effect at the earliest period allowed by law.