Lion Bill Craft is definitely a man ahead of his time. The now 83-year-old courageously integrated the Lions Clubs in the state of Virginia when he chartered the Roanoke Valley Breakfast Lions Club (RVBLC) in 1977. His service with Lewis Peery in the Boys Scouts led to the development of a strong friendship and a recognition that they shared a common bond, a desire and commitment to serve their community.
Lion Bill recognized that their similarity was stronger and deeper than their visible differences. Through their vast social connections, they identified a group of diverse men who shared their passion for community service and established the Roanoke Valley Breakfast Lions Club which was inaugurated on May 4, 1977.
To questions about his motivation for organizing an integrated Lions Club, Lion Bill’s response speaks to his character and his compassion for others. “One thing was a hidden thing. The Blacks in this community had not many of the same opportunities that I had, and that had concerned me for a long time. ”
He was not sure how his awareness of and concern about the disparity in the treatment of the races developed but he speculated that it might be related to his service in the U.S. Marine Corps. He became a Marine in 1952, 10 years after President Franklin Roosevelt, in response to pressure from Black civil rights leaders, signed Executive Order 8802 to allow Blacks to serve in the U.S. Marine Corps. Thus, his active and reserve tenure in the U.S. Marine Corps (1952 -1960) provided him with visible lessons in racial inequality.
Bill obviously did not accept the status quo. He had a burning desire to be inclusive of all people, to help foster a community where everyone was treated with dignity and respect. He said what others saw as problems, he saw as challenges, just hurdles to get around, adding; “I do not allow any child of the Lord to tell me what I can or cannot do.”
This type of attitude and leadership earned Lion Bill many accolades and recognitions, including one by Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., for his assistance in establishing the Downtown DC Anacostia Youth Project. Robert Cree, a member of his scouting staff in the late 50’s, reflecting on his observation of Bill stated, “In all situations Bill treated all kids the same irrespective of race.”
Professionally, Bill was an administrator with Boys Scouts of America, United Way, and American Red Cross. He was introduced to Lionism when he was invited to join the Williamson Road Lions Club which was a dinner club. As he relocated to other places because of his career, he maintained membership in a service club, either the Lions or Kiwanis. When he returned to Roanoke in 1977, he saw a need for a new Lions Club in Roanoke, one that was inclusive and met in the morning. Thus giving birth to the Roanoke Valley Breakfast Lions Club, the first in the State to include Black members and the first Breakfast Lions Club in Roanoke. With a current membership of 45, the Roanoke Valley Breakfast Lions Club, will celebrate its 38th year on June 12, 2015.
Roanoke native Lion Bill graduated from William Fleming High School in 1950. Along with his many accomplishments he is the proud father of 3 children, 6 grandchildren, and 11 great grandchildren, several of whom were part of his proud Family Shooters providing elaborate fire works for thousands including climaxing Roanoke’s annual Fourth of July celebrations for many years.
Lion Bill currently resides at “Our Lady of the Valley” and enjoys visits from family and friends.
