Billy Chase Jr. is widely regarded as one of the greatest all-around athletes ever to come out of Polk County. Born in Fort Meade, Chase excelled in multiple sports at Lakeland High School, earning eight letters in basketball, football, and swimming from 1929 to 1931. As an all-state halfback, he led the LHS football team to two state championships and was later named to the All-Time Lakeland High School Football Team by longtime Dreadnaught followers Eric Murray and Jack Slaton. In basketball, Chase served as team captain and was named to the 1930s All-Star Basketball Team of the Decade, also selected by Murray and Slaton.

Following his outstanding high school career, Chase starred in football at the University of Florida, where he became the first Gator to return a kickoff 98 yards for a touchdown — a mark that still ranks as the third-longest kickoff return in school history. He was team captain in 1935 and earned All-Southeastern Conference honors twice. In recognition of his legacy, the Polk County Gator Club annually awards the Billy Chase Memorial Captain’s Award to an outstanding Gator from Polk County.

Chase served his country in the U.S. Army during World War II, earning a Purple Heart for his service. After the war, he became a successful insurance executive and remained active in his community, serving as president of the Lakeland Rotary Club, a member of the Boys Scouts of America Council, a Paul Harris Fellow, and a founding member of the Lone Palm Golf Club. He was also a member of the Grasslands Golf Club.

Even past the age of 85, Chase remained active in sports, playing golf and tennis weekly. His athletic achievements were recognized with induction into the Lakeland High School Hall of Fame in 1982 and the University of Florida Athletic Hall of Fame. In 1999, he was named one of the 10 greatest athletes in Polk County history by a selection committee compiled by the Ledger. Chase passed away in October 2000, leaving behind a legacy of athletic excellence and community service.