Keith Bayless Wilson

Coach Lee High School

November 22, 1935 - May 14, 2025

Keith B. Wilson, a man of deep faith, relentless drive, and stories that could fill volumes, passed away peacefully on May 14, 2025, leaving behind a legacy that stretches from the fields of Ishkooda to the hearts of all who knew and loved him.

Born on November 22, 1935, Keith grew up in a place that became legendary through his storytelling—Ishkooda. For him, Ishkooda was more than just an iron ore mining community in Birmingham; it was a sanctuary where Keith first learned the values of hard work, loyalty, and perseverance that would define his life.

Though modest in stature, Keith was a giant on the football field. At just 140 pounds, he earned the title of Most Valuable Running Back in the state of Alabama his senior year while helping lead West End High School to a state championship in 1953. His grit and determination carried him to Kansas State University in Manhattan, Kansas, where he played for the Wildcats and, after his sophomore year, married the love of his life, Doris, also from Birmingham.

Following college, Keith answered the call to serve his country, joining the United States Marine Corps and being stationed at Camp Lejeune, where he and his wife welcomed their sons, Jeff and Russ. Eventually, the family made their home in Huntsville, Alabama, where Keith was the Head Football coach at Lee High School and continued his path as a career educator. There, he began one of the most meaningful chapters of his life—coaching and mentoring young athletes. But the most cherished moment of this time came in October of 1965 when Keith and Doris welcomed Janet Lynne to the family.

Inspired by coach Tiger Ellison and his revolutionary “run & shoot” offense, Keith helped usher in a new era at Lee High, leading with passion and vision. His leadership helped instill pride, heart, and determination in a fledgling program that would eventually flourish.

Keith’s heart was always set on going—to the beach, to football games, to church, or simply for a drive with Doris in his later years. He lived with energy, told stories with joy, and loved fiercely, even if his affection was often unspoken.

Keith was many things—a coach, a Marine, a Wildcat, a father, a husband, a storyteller, and most importantly, a man of faith. We find peace in knowing that the moment he entered heaven, he likely made a beeline to find the inventor of the RUN & SHOOT offense, Tiger Ellison, ready to talk football strategy once again.

Keith was preceded in death by parents, John and Olive Wilson, and brothers, Joe Wilson and Jack Wilson. He is survived by his loving wife of 69 years, Doris; his children, Russell Wilson (Debra) of Madison, Jeff Wilson (Lisa) of Madison and Janet Lynne Wilson (Monte Ramos) of New Orleans; his cherished grandchildren, Lindsey Jennings (DJ) of Huntsville, Annslee Ternik (David) of Deerfield, IL and Shelby Wilson of Santa Rosa Beach, FL; and countless players, friends, and family members whose lives were shaped by his example and love.

He left the field of life the same way he played it—tough, passionate, and full of purpose.

Visitation will be from 2 to 3 p.m. on Sunday, May 18, 2025, at Holmes Street United Methodist Church. A memorial service will follow at the church with the Revs. Miriam Johnson and Eddie Johnson officiating.

The Wayback Machine

The Atomic Bomb Threat

Tommy Towery

Most of you are aware of my Air Force career, but may not know what I did during part of that career. I spent half of my career as a member of a B-52 aircrew, serving as the person in charge of defending the aircraft from enemy action. I was responsible for dispensing chaff and flares and jamming enemy radars.

You may not know that I was a part of what would have enemies of our county having to learn about "duck and cover" themselves. From 1972 to 1978 I was a member of a B-52 bomber crew. My job was to protect the aircraft from enemy threats, employing jammers, chaff, and flairs to do so. My talents would have been used on nuclear bombing missions to enemies of America. I was placed on alert for a week at a time, every three weeks of my duty there. We were housed in a building called the alert facility at the end of the runway, and were not allowed to leave for any reason. Should a war begin, we had 15 minutes to run to our aircraft and get airborne. Each aircraft was loaded with four nuclear weapons and we would proceed to the targets in the enemy country. After delivering the weapons we were on our own to try to find a way back to the United States or a friendly country, knowing our chances of survival were slim. Thank God it never came to that.

Welcome Spring! I remember how excited I was back in 1964, wondering what my future would bring. Today I am happy to just be alive.

If you look at the top of this page, you will find that this issue marks the 1,200th issue of Lee's Traveller without a break in publication. Thank all of you for staying with me all these years.

Last Week's Questions, Answers, And Comments

Lynne Berry, LHS ‘70, "Here is the obituary for Alex Cathey.  If anyone wants to go to the celebration, they may - it will be at 509 Adams Street from 3 - 5 p.m. on May 30."

Alexander M Cathey, Sr.

LHS '68

Alexander Martin Cathey Sr., born September 9, 1950, to Caroline Krebs Cathey and Andrew Barrett Cathey Sr., passed away peacefully at home on Saturday, May 3, 2025. He was 74.

Alex loved fishing at South Sauty, golfing, and was a self-taught musician who loved playing music with his friends.

He is survived by his son, Alexander Martin Cathey Jr.; daughter-in-law, Stephanie; daughter, Lauren Elizabeth Cathey Cloar; his four beautiful grandchildren, Alexander Martin Cathey III, Maddox George Cathey, Murphie Faye Cloar, and McKenzie Lynn Cloar, who were his world; his niece, Xan Pollard Curran and her husband, Tim; his best friend, Judith Baker; his loyal dog, Caroline; and many dear friends.

Alex graduated from Lee High School and attended both Marion Military Institute and Jacksonville State University. He devoted much of his career to Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA) and retired after 25 years of service.

He was preceded in death by his parents; his brothers, Andrew Cathey Jr. and Allen Cathey; and his sister, Anne Cathey Pollard.

A celebration of life will be held on Friday, May 30, in Huntsville.