It is with great sadness that we announce the peaceful passing of Willie Bethea on January 5, 2024, at
home, at the age of 85. Beloved husband for 23 years to Joyce (nee Zip). Loving father of Michele Cook (James), Renee Bethea and Noelle Bethea (Heron Tait). Dear grandpa of Alonzo and Quinton Addae; Zara and Sasha Cook; and Zoe and Halle Tait. Loving brother of Elizabeth Hill, and Robert Bethea, of Trenton, New Jersey. Dear uncle of Sondi, Cheryl, Jenny, Tony and Ottamease. Beloved brother-in-law of Rick and Cheryl Zip; and the late Victor Zip. Loved uncle of Marty (Krista), Jackie, Sherri, Cassandra and Natalie Zip. Dear great-uncle of Kate, Anna, Alex and Ben. Willie will be fondly remembered by Janice Bethea, and extended family and friends in Canada and the USA.
Willie was RB for the Hamilton Tiger Cats from 1963-70. He played in 5 Grey Cups and won Grey Cup Championships in 1963, ’65 and ’67. Willie was an inaugural inductee into the Greater Trenton (NJ) Black Sports Hall of Fame in 1991. In the early 90’s he was voted by fans as part of the All-time Ti-Cat Team.
Willie was selected, by the fans, into the Tiger-Cat Walk of Fame in 1996. In 2010, as a member of the
1967 Hamilton Tiger Cats Grey Cup Champions, he was inducted into the Inaugural Hamilton Sports Hall of Fame. In 2012, Willie was inducted into the Ti-Cats Wall of Honour. He was a member of the Hamilton Tiger-Cat Alumni Association, and a long-time season ticket holder. Willie was an avid golfer, and played in many celebrity golf tournaments.
Willie generously donated his brain and spinal cord to the Canadian Concussion Centre at the Krembil
Brain Institute in support of research, in the hope to better the future for those affected by concussions.
Please consider donating to the Canadian Concussion Centre https://www.uhn.ca/Krembil/Canadian-Concussion-Centre/Support-Us
A private family memorial will be celebrated in honour of Willie’s legendary life. Online condolences can be made to www.baygardens.ca
Published online January 13, 2024 in the Hamilton Spectator
Visit Bay Gardens to see the obituary, events and guestbook.
VIA: https://obituaries.thespec.com/obituary/willie-bethea-1089265500
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