Former TCU All-American and longtime O.D. Wyatt coach dies, leaving behind lengthy legacy
Lee Williams, an All-American track and field athlete and legendary coach, died at the age of 71 on May 17.
Williams was a record-setter at TCU where he was a member of the first two relay teams to qualify for the NCAA Championships and set the school record for the 400 meter-run and the mile relay.
For his accomplishments, Lee Williams was inducted into the 54th class of the Athletics Hall of Fame for TCU in 2022.
Williams would go on to coach at OD Wyatt, where he would continue to find success.
Williams was selected as the 1998 Texas Track and Field Coach of the Year for the State of Texas by the National Federation of Coaches Association. Perhaps Williams’ best achievement as a coach came the same year when his 4X100-meter relay team set the national high school record of 39.76 which continues to stand to this day.
Throughout his coaching career, Williams coached 52 All-Americans and won 15 district championships, 4 regional championships, and 2 state championship teams after was selected for the Texas Track & Field Coaches Association Hall of Fame in 2019.
Williams’ effect on those around him is evidenced by what his former high school coach, Paul Galvan, said about him when he was honored for his distinguished coaching career.
“Lee is a legend when it comes to track and field,” Mr. Galvan said. “I’m thrilled the UIL will honor him for his dedication to his students. His kids will lose a good mentor, because Lee is not just a coach. He is a compassionate man who mentors student athletes so they can become honorable young men.”
Williams is survived by his wife of 47 years Carolyn and two daughters and two grandchildren.
This story was originally published May 18, 2023 at 12:39 PM.
CORRECTION: The age of Mr. Williams and the length of years in his marriage were incorrect in an earlier edition.
