Farewell to a Legend: Remembering Larry Munson

by vineyarddawg on Dec 11, 2011 1:39 PM EST in Georgia Bulldogs Football

Mrs. Vineyarddawg and I attended the memorial service for Larry Munson yesterday at Sanford Stadium. It lasted about 90 minutes and was a very moving ceremony.

Rather than provide a very boring recount of what was, essentially, 70 minutes worth of speeches and 20 minutes worth of music and video, I've chosen instead to simply provide the order of service and post some pictures I took before and during the event. (Note: You can click on any of the pictures to see the full-size version.)

I will provide this commentary, though: it was appropriate and moving, and was well-attended. I would estimate that there were at least 3,000 people there.

The order of service was:

- Before the service, they played video clips of Munson talking about his early career at Wyoming and Nashville, leading up to his time at Georgia.
- Greg McGarity opened the service.
- The Redcoat Band played the Battle Hymn.
- Scott Howard spoke, and emceed the rest of the service.
- Mark Richt gave the invocation.
- Dr. Michael Adams spoke.
- Tony Barnhart spoke.
- Wes Durham spoke via video due to having a game to call that day.
- They showed a video from Munson that he'd recorded 8 years ago to be shown at his memorial service (not nearly as creepy as you'd think it would be).
- Vince Dooley spoke.
- Charlie Wittemore, a personal friend of Munson, spoke.
- Munson's sons Johnathan and Michael spoke.
- The Redboat Band played Amazing Grace and Georgia On My Mind.
- The honor guard gave Munson a 21-gun salute, and the "lone trumpeter" from the Redcoat Band stood on the field and played taps.

This picture and the next are shots of the signs displayed around Sanford Stadium honoring Larry.

RIP Larry. We already miss you, and there will never be another like you.

Tweet Comment 17 comments | 2 recs |

Do you like this story?

Comments

Thank you, vineyarddawg.

Editor @ Dawg Sports. 3rd degree Red 'n Black Belt.
"If we score, we may win. If they never score, we'll never lose."
-Erk Russell

by DavetheDawg on Dec 11, 2011 2:27 PM EST reply actions

Yes, thanks a million

Larry meant so much to so many of us

"Let us cross over the river and rest under the shade of the trees." Thomas J. Jackson

by Dr. Morpheus on Dec 11, 2011 2:30 PM EST reply actions

Looks like a fitting service

thanks for the recap

If ya can't beat em, bitch about how they illegally operate scooters

by Dawg in Beaumont on Dec 11, 2011 2:47 PM EST reply actions

I was there, as well.

It was a great memorial, a great tribute for a DGD. I also thought it was nice of CMR to be there, considering this was a big recruiting weekend. But then, I kind of figured if he was in town, he’d be there.

by KornDawg on Dec 11, 2011 3:37 PM EST reply actions

How many people were there?

http://sportsandgrits.com/

by Mr. Sanchez on Dec 11, 2011 3:39 PM EST up reply actions

vineyarddawg's estimation seems about right.

Probably around 3,000.

by KornDawg on Dec 11, 2011 3:41 PM EST up reply actions 1 recs

And now I notice that comment

lazy reading by me. Thanks Korn, and of course, thanks Vine.

http://sportsandgrits.com/

by Mr. Sanchez on Dec 11, 2011 4:01 PM EST up reply actions

It was a wonderful service

Glad I went – Full of laughter and some tears, of course. I think my favorite story was from Vince Dooley, noting that Munson fished much like he called games, lamenting the weather, the temperature of the water, etc. Then he would talk to the bait: “Hunker Down, Worm!”

by Lady Dawg on Dec 11, 2011 4:51 PM EST reply actions 1 recs

I think Dooley was the best speaker, too.

He told several funny anecdotes from his time with Munson and got the crowd going pretty well. :-)

Editor, Dawg Sports.

Go Dawgs!

by vineyarddawg on Dec 11, 2011 7:31 PM EST up reply actions 1 recs

Agreed re:Dooley

Especially the story about Munson thinking fast on his feet. Vince really brought it yesterday.

by KornDawg on Dec 11, 2011 8:09 PM EST up reply actions

Vineyard, thank you for sharing.

Editor, "Dawgsports"

"The ball ain't heavy." Herschel Walker

by tankertoad on Dec 11, 2011 5:52 PM EST reply actions

Much obliged, vineyarddawg.

It was a fitting tribute, and we’re grateful to you for covering this important event.

Goodbye, Larry. We miss you.

Manager, Dawg Sports, SB Nation's Georgia Bulldogs weblog.
Go 'Dawgs!

by T Kyle King on Dec 11, 2011 6:04 PM EST reply actions

by leedawg on Dec 12, 2011 4:27 PM EST reply actions

Thanks for posting that link, leedawg.

That’s the video they played near the end of the service. It’s the one Munson recorded about 8 years ago specifically to be played at his memorial service.

Editor, Dawg Sports.

Go Dawgs!

by vineyarddawg on Dec 12, 2011 5:22 PM EST up reply actions