South Gwinnett News

Tributes and memories were heard recently as legendary former University of Georgia football coach Vince Dooley was honored during a memorial service, with former players and fans turning out to salute him.

Dooley, who was remembered as a man of impeccable integrity and mentorship, became head coach at UGA in 1963; a FOX 5 Atlanta report said. Over time, he led the Bulldogs to more wins than any other coach in the team's history; accumulating 201 victories, 6 SEC titles and the 1980 National Championship while helping 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!"

With the ceremony taking place at Stegeman Coliseum, speaker after speaker took the podium to share stories of fun times with Dooley, whom they all saluted as a huge part of the University of Georgia, college football and the community; the FOX 5 report said.

"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."