Former SCSU and Chicago Bear Standout Dies

Chicago, IL - A former South Carolina State defensive end, who went on to a National Football League career with the Chicago Bears has died. Willie Joe Holman, 57, died at his home Sunday (Apr. 21) in Chicago, according to relatives and a Chicago newspaper.

Visitation will be at 10 a.m. Saturday (Apr. 27) at Cage Memorial Chapel, 7651 South Jeffrey Boulevard, in Chicago. The funeral will follow at 11 a.m.

A St. Matthews, SC native and John Ford High School graduate, Holman was a standout defensive lineman at South Carolina State in the mid-60s (1963-66). His collegiate career was followed by impressive NFL tenures with Chicago (1968-73), which selected him in the seventh round of the 1968 college draft, and the Washington Redskins (1973-75).

Holman was the Bears’ sack leader three straight years (1969-71), recording 27 ½ during the stretch, when he finished second only to Bear All-Pro linebacker Dick Butkus in tackles. Holman also played on the United States Army European title teams from 1966-68.

The father of two was very active in the Chicago community and was a long-time Security Supervisor for the Chicago Board of Education.

He is survived by his wife, Carolyn, one son and one daughter.

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