About Inductee

On April 26,1968, William Lewis was the central figure in an historical event. While playing golf for the Lee High Generals of Huntsville, William was the first person of his race to ever play in an official tournament at an all-white country club in the state of Alabama - a significant event. Williams reaction to the historic significance of his appearance shows the type of genuine person he really is. He didnt consider it anything special. He calmly stated, I was part of the team and that is why I was there. William played football at Lee as well as being the schools best golfer. He was a starter at guard. William qualified for the state golf tournament during both his junior and senior years at Lee. He would go on to finish sixth, among the best golfers in the state, each year in the state tournament. William attended Alabama A&M University and gained fame as an outstanding college golfer. In a college match with David Lipscomb, William fired an 8 under par at the Huntsville Jetport golf course, a course record for over twenty years. During his four years at A&M, the golf team won 56 of 74 golf meets and William won seven trophies. The ASiMs golf coach and athletic director Gene Bright said, William Lewis turned our golf program around. Golf was big in the SIAC then and because of William we became the team to beat. William was selected to the small college All-American team from 1970-74. As a golf pro, William won the West Georgia Open and the Atlanta Open in 1979, both PGA events. William is currently working in Georgia as a Head Golf Professional. William and his wife, Sandra, have two daughters, Denisa and Candace.