Today marks the 20thth anniversary of Jack Wilson’s final broadcast, concluding a legendary 40-year career as the voice of the Leesburg High Yellow Jackets. Wilson’s journey with Leesburg football began in 1964, right as Leesburg High integrated with Carver High, an all-Black school in the community. Back then, Leesburg was an all-white school, and Carver High represented the Black students in town. By the mid-1960s, Carver transitioned to a middle school, and Leesburg High became a pioneering example of school integration in Florida – a historic time not unlike the powerful story depicted in Remember the Titans.

Beyond the field, Jack Wilson served his community in many ways. He completed two terms on the Leesburg City Commission and even held the title of Mayor in 1970. A former standout running back from Webster High School in the 1950s, Wilson moved to Leesburg in the ’60s, finding work as a barber. His broadcasting career began unexpectedly when local station WLBE 790AM reached out, asking him to announce games. Despite his lack of formal broadcasting experience, they saw a natural in his deep, commanding voice.

For four decades, Jack Wilson’s voice narrated every play of Leesburg High football games. WLBE 790AM, which now carries a regional Mexican format, was his stage. Fans fondly recall his unique style, passion, and commitment, qualities he carried through every broadcast.

Wilson’s life outside of broadcasting followed a strict routine, a habit instilled during his time in the Army. His day began precisely at 5:58 a.m. in his Chevy Lumina, listening to the CBS radio news update, followed by breakfast with friends at Wolfy’s, then a quick nap by 8:00 a.m. But in 1996, his life took a sudden turn when he suffered a debilitating stroke just as football season kicked off. He underwent major surgeries, including a triple bypass, and faced a slow recovery.

(Leesburg High School named the press box after Jack Wilson who spent so many years calling games from this very location.)

That year, for the first time in his career, Wilson missed games. However, his resilience brought him back to the stands for the season’s final game, watching his Yellow Jackets from the first row and briefly returning to the airwaves with the support of WLBE.

Despite his remarkable comeback, the 2003 season proved to be one of his most challenging. Tragically, two Yellow Jacket players, Willie Tucker Jr. and Howard Russell, lost their lives in a car accident on September 11th. Wilson honored their memory with a moment of silence in every broadcast that season. Refusing to let tragedy define his career’s end, he returned for a final season in 2004, signing off one last time after a 35-0 Leesburg win against Wildwood on November 5th, 2004.

Jack Wilson sadly passed away in 2005, leaving a lasting legacy not just as a broadcaster, but as a community leader and devoted member of First Baptist Church. Leesburg High School commemorates his contributions with the football press box named in his honor, a fitting tribute to the man who was the heart and voice of Yellow Jacket football for 40 years.

Guys like Jack Wilson paved the way for so many in our area. He made sports feel like a big deal in Lake County. If he could only be around today and see how big our sports teams have gotten in the area, I think he would be very proud of the love and support that has poured into Lake County high school sports. Jack Wilson may be gone, but his spirit remains alive every Friday night at Leesburg High School.

Photo Credit: www.leesburgyellowjacketsfootball.com, presented by the Carver Heights Quarterback Club.