Larry Munson 1922-2011
Larry Munson is missed, but he is most certainly not missing. He was found in Sanford Stadium Saturday, he was there as surely as Coach Richt and Coach Dooley were. The flag flew at half staff, the UGA Derbies played on and Larry himself reflected on his career from the large screen at the end of the field. The Bulldawg faithful filled the seats overlooking the fifty yard line, Larry’s fifty yard line. Hundreds arrived, each possessing a little piece of Larry.
After a prayer from Coach Richt, conveyed what Munson the man had meant to the UGA football program, what he’d meant to the players, what he’d meant to the fans and most importantly, what he’d meant to the school.
Find out what's happening in Athenswith free, real-time updates from Patch.
Vince Dooley spoke of the Munson he knew and the Munson he missed.
“Those who never attended a game or watched one had fifty yard line seats, while listening to Larry. I was glad Larry announced my games twenty-three out of twenty-five years, and I’m glad I didn’t have to listen to him as I coached. It would have driven me crazy,” said Coach Dooley.
Find out what's happening in Athenswith free, real-time updates from Patch.
At times it seemed almost like a roast as many recalling their favorite Munson moments, causing ripples of laughter to roll through the crowd. Moments recalled by friends who spent many hours hunting, fishing or traveling with him.
“It was fun being with him because he fished like he called games and several times he talked to the worm, Hunker down worm, Hunker down,” Coach Dooley said.
It was here that some Bulldawg barks echoed through the stadium.
With the laughter, there were tears. Jonathan Munson thanked his father for many things and was overcome while doing so. He poured out his heart and pressed Larry’s memory more deeply into the hearts of those present. For this he received a standing ovation.
“I’ll miss standing behind him in the press box, listening to him call a game,” said Jonathan Munson.
Son Michael also thanked him, for the things most important between a father and son.
“My father died wearing a Bulldawg T-shirt that said GO DAWGS,” Michael Munson.
The Derbies played Amazing Grace, Glory, Glory and Georgia On My Mind. Rifles fired a fitting salute and Taps ended the ceremony with the dignity Larry deserved.
The Gravelly Growler is not gone and will never be, as long as his family, friends and a grateful Bulldawg nation cherish his memory. Larry will live on as long as there is a Sanford Stadium and as long as the Dawgs play between the hedges.
