Georgia Gov. Brian Kemp (left) and former University of Georgia football coach Vince Dooley | Governor Brian Kemp/Facebook
Georgia Gov. Brian Kemp (left) and former University of Georgia football coach Vince Dooley | Governor Brian Kemp/Facebook
Former legendary University of Georgia (UGA) football coach Vince Dooley was remembered as a man of impeccable integrity and a great mentor during a recent memorial service where former players and admirers both turned out in droves to salute him, a report from FOX 5 Atlanta said.
Dooley became head coach at UGA in 1963, and over time he led the Bulldogs to more wins than any other coach in the team's history. He tabulated 201 victories, 6 SEC titles and the 1980 National Championship, helping to shape the program into the powerhouse staple it is today.
"Each time Marty, the girls and I yell Go Dawgs! we will think of the man behind the legend," Georgia Gov. Brian Kemp said. "A mentor, a friend, a husband, a father, a grandfather and a truly damn good Dawg!"
One by one, grief-stricken speakers took the podium inside Stegeman Coliseum to share memories of fun times with Dooley and salute the longtime coach as a huge part of the University of Georgia, college football and the community.
"How many people can say they had a generational impact on thousands of young men?" Frank Ros, a football letterman, said.
Dooley's former players noted that the coach was more than just a teacher on the field, sharing his wisdom about football and life alike with his players; the report said.
"Vince Dooley became my second father, a man who would counsel me throughout my entire, complex career," football letterman Billy Payne said. "A man who would tell me without hesitation when I made mistakes, but would forgive me even when I made mistakes."
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