A Legacy That Transcends the Field
Legendary DeKalb County football coach William 'Buck' Godfrey passed away this week, leaving behind a staggering 273‑89‑1 record that spans 30 seasons of high school competition. Playoff appearances came in 27 of those 30 years, underscoring his consistency and dominance on the gridiron.
From 1983 to 2012 he coached at Southwest DeKalb High School, where he captured two state championships and built a program that became a model of excellence. His achievements earned him induction into three distinguished halls of fame: the Georgia Sports Hall of Fame, the Georgia Athletic Coaches Association Hall of Fame, and the Atlanta Sports Hall of Fame.
State Representative Omari Crawford (D‑Decatur) has publicly credited Coach Godfrey with shaping his public speaking abilities and personal development, illustrating the mentor’s influence that reached far beyond athletics.
Godfrey is survived by his daughter, Rashan Ali, an Atlanta radio personality who described him as 'My hero. Daddy.' Her heartfelt tribute has resonated throughout the community, highlighting the personal connections he forged.
In 2015 the DeKalb County School District honored his contributions by renaming Panthersville Stadium to William 'Buck' Godfrey Stadium, ensuring that his legacy remains visible to future players, coaches, and fans.