Community mourns passing of legendary coach
On Aug. 1, Southwest DeKalb High School announced the passing of Hall of Fame coach William “Buck” Godfrey who died at the age of 83.
Godfrey was regarded as one of Georgia’s greatest high school football coaches and an influential figure in the history of DeKalb athletics.
From 1983-2012, Godfrey spent his entire career coaching at Southwest DeKalb. During his 30-year tenure, he garnered a 274-89-1 record and became the second winningest head coach in DeKalb. In 30 years, Godfrey made 27 playoff appearances, won 13 region championships, and in 1995, captured a Class 4A state championship after taking down Parkview High School.
Along with winning on the field, school officials said Godfrey also helped athletes win off the field as he dedicated his career to developing young men through education and athletics. During his tenure, he helped more than 250 athletes earn college football scholarships while emphasizing the importance of an education. Some of the student-athletes include former Dallas Cowboys quarterback Quincy Carter, three-time track and field Olympian Terrence Tammell, and track and field Olympic champion Angelo Taylor.
Godfrey also authored several books including The Team Nobody Would Play, which follows his experiences with a legendary segregated youth baseball team and highlights the racial barriers he overcame.
His contributions have been recognized by numerous honors, including multiple Hall of Fame inductions with the Georgia Sports Hall of Fame, the Georgia Athletic Coaches Association Hall of Fame, and the Atlanta Sports Hall of Fame. In 2015, DeKalb County renamed Panthersville Stadium as William “Buck” Godfrey Stadium to forever seal his legacy.
