http://m2.tbo.com/content/2011/sep/08/081659/viewing-for-lee-roy-selmon-today-in-tampa/sports/
Mourners arrive at viewing for Lee Roy Selmon
CLIFF MCBRIDE/STAFF
Former Buc and USF athletic director Lee Roy Selmon died on Sunday. He was 56.
TBO.com
Published: September 8, 2011
TAMPA - The line of mourners attending today's viewing for Lee Roy Selmon has grown to about 60 people before the doors even open.
Amid the suits and ties and professional clothes, at least one couple has come in Tampa Bay Buccaneer colors. Not the red and pewter of today, but the creamsicle orange that Selmon wore back in his playing days.
A framed "63" jersey sits behind the casket. There is a large black-and-white photo of Selmon fighting off a Chicago Bear player and another of him and his brothers on their Oklahoma farm.
There also is a large photo of Selmon holding his bronze bust when he was inducted into the Hall of Fame.
His body lies in an open casket as dozens file by to honor him.
"In God's care," reads an inscription on the fabric of the casket lid.
Hundreds of mourners are expected at the viewing for Selmon at Exciting Central Tampa Baptist Church, 2923 N. Tampa St.
The viewing will last until 8 p.m., with the Selmon family in attendance from 5 to 7 p.m.
The church is just north of downtown at North Tampa Street and Floribraska Avenue in Tampa Heights.
It is the first of a series of memorials planned for the former Buccaneers star and athletic director at the University of South Florida.
Selmon, a Pro Football Hall of Famer, died at St. Joseph's Hospital on Sunday, two days after suffering a stroke. He was 56.
A funeral is set for 10 a.m. Friday at the Idlewild Baptist Church, 18371 N. Dale Mabry Highway in Lutz. The Rev. Jeffery Singletary will officiate, and the entire Buccaneers and USF football teams are scheduled to attend.
Another ceremony is planned for Saturday in Oklahoma City. Selmon was born and grew up in nearby Eufaula, Okla.
USF will offer its own tribute to Selmon before the Bulls' first home game at Raymond James Stadium on Saturday. Kickoff against Ball State University is scheduled for 7 p.m. The Bulls will wear decals with No. 63 on their helmets; that was Selmon's jersey number with the Bucs.
Selmon was instrumental in starting the USF football program.
On Sunday, the Bucs will host a tribute to Selmon before the 1 p.m. season opener against the Detroit Lions at Raymond James Stadium.
