RIP Larry Munson

One of our Southern sports icons has left us, Larry Munson, the Voice of the Bulldogs from 1966-2008, has passed away at the age of 89.

Growing up, my dad and I spent a lot of time in the car together, and the voices of Larry Munson, John Ward (Voice of the Vols from 1965-1999) and Jim Reynolds (Voice of the Mocs from 1979 to present) made (and in JR’s case are still making) some of the most memorable sports calls of all time.

My dad was one of those folks who would turn down the TV so that he could listen to the play-by-play over the radio because it was simply so much better then the television announcers.

The thing about Larry, John and JR that made them so great was that they were and are honestly fans first.  Sometimes when listening to Larry Munson, you’d never actually get the play call  (think Kevin Butler’s 60 yard field goal to beat Clemson, Rex Robinson’s field goal over Kentucky or the hobnail boot call in Knoxville) but through the emotion, the celebrating…  and sometimes the sadness of defeat…  you knew exactly what had happened.

Thanks for the memories, Larry…  and, Go Dawgs!


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3 responses to “RIP Larry Munson”

  1. JMPrince Avatar

    We lost one of our own yesterday with the tragic death of Gen. Robert E. Gray of Columbia Co. in a traffic accident. I worked with and served with Gen. Gray on the GADCC & the Strategic Planning Comm of the DPG. He was a fine gentleman and just getting around to doing the things he always wanted to do now that he’d finally retired after many decades of service in the Army Signal Corps. He’d commanded Fort Gordon during the 1990’s. Our deepest condolences go out to his family. Funeral arrangements are unknown at this time. This from news reports:

    http://www.wrdw.com/home/headlines/Accident_claims_life_of_Evans_man_134418958.html
    JMP

  2. JMPrince Avatar
    JMPrince

    Blues for Larry Munson by a pick up band of greats with T-Bone Walker in 1966, the same year Larry started with UGA. This was what the hottest ‘non pop’ stuff was looking like way back then. Hell almost everyone ‘looked’ similar on stage, suit & ties abound. And everyone of them is now gone save for Bob Cranshaw I suspect.
    http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pFqK6PBq-hA

    The Blues as we knew it. JMP

  3. JMPrince Avatar
    JMPrince

    Thanks for the pick up here Trevor. No one can call games like the old radio guys can. JMP

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