A retired Tampa resident, known as an outstanding athlete and humanitarian, suffered a massive stroke at his home on Friday. He died at St. Joseph’s Hospital on Sunday. He was surrounded by family members at the time of his death.
The family of Lee Roy Selmon issued the following statement: “It is with very heavy hearts that the Selmon Family announces the passing of our beloved husband, father and brother, Lee Roy Selmon.
“For all his accomplishments on and off the field, to us Lee Roy was the rock of our family. This has been a sudden and shocking event and we are devastated by this unexpected loss. We deeply appreciate the prayers and support shown by family, friends, the football community and the public over the past two days. “[private]
Funeral Services
Mr. Selmon is survived by his wife, Mrs. Clabra Selmon, children, siblings, other family members and friends.
Funeral services for Mr. Lee Roy Selmon will take place on Friday, 10 a.m., at Idlewild Baptist Church, 18371 N. Dale Mabry Highway, Lutz. A wake will take place Thursday, 4 p.m. to 8 p.m., at Exciting Central Tampa Baptist Church, 2923 N. Tampa Street. The family will be present from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m.
Wilson’s Funeral Home is in charge of handling arrangements.
In Lieu Of Flowers
The Selmon Family has suggested that in lieu of flowers, those wishing to further honor Mr. Selmon’s memory can make donations to Abe Brown Ministries (813) 248-3224 or the University of South Florida Foundation Partnership for Athletics (813) 974-2125.
Friends Comment
Former Tampa Bay Buccaneer Quarterback Doug Williams said, “There is not a lot to say, his legacy speaks for itself. Whether you are riding on the Lee Roy Selmon Crossway Express or eating at his restaurant, he will always be remembered. He dedicated his life to USF football.
“Someone like him dying so young is just a tragedy, Williams said.”
Former Tampa Bay Buccaneer David Lewis played with Selmon for 5 years. However, their friendship has lasted more than 30 years. Lewis recalled those early years when the Bucs team was filled with major college winners – the Selmon brothers were from Oklahoma, Lewis, Danny Reece and Ricky Bell were from USC, other players were from winning programs at Penn State and University of Pittsburgh.
“We were all from winning programs and it was difficult getting used to losing. Lee Roy, the first original Buc had to endure all the ridicule, jokes and hecklers. Being a new team, we didn’t have veteran players to show us the way or tell us how to do it. We had to feel our way. The fun we shared on the field then made the bond of brotherhood that we share today – we’re there for each other.”
“Even back then,” Lewis stated of the early years, Lee Roy tried to walk the life Christ has set for all of us.
“I still remember how Walter Payton used to describe Lee Roy. He said he was the nicest, roughest defensive player he ever played against,” Lewis stated.
Lewis, 56, was with the family throughout the weekend until Selmon passed away. Lee Roy’s brother, Dewey, kept the close knit group of friends informed of his condition.
He’s gone now and we’ll miss his flesh, but the Lord did not make a mistake. His work on earth is done and it didn’t take 70 years. He has accomplished so much, received so many accolades – Pro Football Hall of Fame, Bucs Ring of Honor, highway and restaurants named in his honor and so much more.
“His spirit will be with us forever. He left a legacy and a blueprint for his family –children, grandchildren, those who knew him and those that knew of him. He was a devoted husband, wonderful father, tremendous friend, super teammate, wonderful to people and most of all he loved Christ.
“I salute Lee Roy Selmon and I thank God for putting him in my life.”
Mrs. Marie Tarver White has known Selmon for more than 20+ years. She met him through her uncle, Rev. John Stephens, at his restaurant, Big John’s Alabama Barbecue. She said he has been a tremendous support in the success of the second-go-round of her magazine, On-Que! Christian magazine.
“He was so encouraging. He’d always tell me to keep on doing it because God would not have His Word to go forward void,” she said.
His Career
Selmon graduated from Eufaula High School in Eufaula, Oklahoma in 1971, as an honor graduate. He was the youngest of 9 children born to Lucious and Jessie Selmon. He joined his brothers, Lucious and Dewey, on the defensive line at the University of Oklahoma.
The brothers established themselves as a forced to be reckoned with at the University of Oklahoma. During his college career, Selmon received numerous honors including being named All-American in 1975, the Vince Lombardi Award, and the Outland Trophy, and Graduate Fellowship Winner National Football Foundation Hall of Fame.
After graduation, Selmon was the first player chosen in the NFL draft in 1976 by the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and wore jersey #63. Selmon’s entire career was as a Buccaneer and he retired 9 years later.
The Bucs also drafted his brother, Dewey, that year.
Selmon was chosen “Rookie of the Year” and MVP his first year. He was chosen to play in the Pro Bowl six consecutive years and in 1979, Selmon was named the “NFL Defensive Player of the Year.”
He retired in 1984 after injuring his back. Two years later, the Bucs franchise retired his number.
Selmon was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1995. Four years later, he was named to the Sports Illustrated NCAA Football All-Century Team. Selmon was also the first player to be inducted into the Tampa Bay Buccaneers Ring of Honor in November 2009.
After retirement, Selmon remained in Tampa, where he worked in the banking industry. He became active in several charities and athletic programs. In 1993, he was chosen as the Assistant Athletic Director at the University of South Florida. He was promoted to the position of Athletic Director at the university in 2001. It was under his direction and guidance that the university launched its football program. Health issues forced him to step down in 2004.
Since establishing himself in Tampa, a highway, the Lee Roy Selmon Crosstown Expressway, has been named in his honor and he established a chain of restaurants that bear his name as well.
Memorials For Selmon
Three organizations, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, USF Football, and the Tampa Sports Authority, have designated a space at Raymond James Stadium for a temporary memorial for Lee Roy Selmon.
Anyone wishing to leave tributes are free to place flowers, cards or remembrances on the tree-shaded mound in the middle of the mass transit drop-off turnaround on Dale Mabry.
Signage for the drop off location near the pedestrian footbridge crossing over Dale Mabry will be displayed Tuesday after 5 p.m., September 6, and drop-offs may begin Tuesday after 5 p.m. and continue through game day on Sunday, September 11.[/private]
***Look for full story in Tuesday’s Sentinel***
