A fund established at Mississippi State University will honor former university football star Thomas E. ÒShortyÓ McWilliams, who died Jan. 9 at age 70.
A native of Meridian and graduate of Meridian High School, McWilliams played football at Mississippi State in 1944 and 1946-48. In 1945, he played for the Army team at the U.S. Military Academy, which was undefeated that season.
At Mississippi State, McWilliams was named All-Southeastern Conference for four years. Twice during his college career, he placed in the top 10 in Heisman Trophy voting.
He played professionally for the Los Angeles Dons and the Pittsburgh Steelers before his career was cut short by injury. He returned to his hometown where he worked for Weidmanns' Restaurant, later becoming owner of the famous Meridian landmark.
McWilliams was a member of the Mississippi State University Sports Hall of Fame and the Mississippi Sports Hall of Fame.
Tom Stogsdill, executive director of the university development office, said university officials and family members are discussing how the fund is to be used.
The tax deductible gifts may be made to the Thomas E. ÒShortyÓ McWilliams Memorial Fund in the Mississippi State University Foundation.
For more information, write the Office of Development, Box 6149, Mississippi State, MS 39762-6149, or telephone (601) 325-3410.
