DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. - Former Bethune-Cookman University Athletic Director Lloyd "Tank" Johnson,"  passed away Sunday. He was 77.

A 1958 graduate, Johnson served as athletic director from 1972 to 1991. His visionary leadership oversaw the Wildcats' ascent to Division I and partnership with Florida A&M's Hansel Tookes in laying the groundwork for the Florida Classic, which made its debut in Tampa in 1978. The archrivals had met to capacity crowds at Florida State University, Daytona International Speedway and Orlando, the current site, prior to that.

FAMU director of athletics, Derek Horne, had the following statement.  "The Florida A&M University Department of Athletics was saddened to learn of the passing of Tank Johnson on yesterday. While Florida A&M University and Bethune-Cookman University are arch-rivals on the field of play, in every other aspect, we are sister institutions. The success that has ensued from the formulation of the Florida Blue Classic, is nothing short of brilliant. The vision of Tank and former FAMU athletic director Hansel Tookes, to put on the competition has resulted in an event unmatched by any other HBCUs in the country. There is no doubt that the passion of Tank has helped not only increase the visibility of athletics, but the two institutions in general. We send out condolences to the family of Tank Johnson and the entire Wildcat Nation."

He is survived by his wife, Gwendolyn, and was preceded in death by his daughter, Crystal Lynn.

BCUAthletics.com contributed to this story.