UT family remembers Coach Darrell Royal

AUSTIN (KXAN) - The extended family of The University of Texas honored the life and legacy of former football coach Darrell Royal with a packed-house memorial at the Frank Erwin Center on Tuesday afternoon.

• Photos: Remembering Darrell K. Royal

Bill Little welcomed the guests, with the Rev. Amy Isbell Hanschen reciting the opening prayer.

UT President William Powers offered some reflections, followed by stories from players -- delivered by Marvin Bendele -- and more reflections from Ben Crenshaw on the game of golf. Head football coach Mack Brown offered anecdotes and lessons he learned from Royal.

Members of the UT Army ROTC program conducted the flag ceremony, and the folded flag was solemnly given to Mrs. Edith Royal, Darrell's widow.

Willie Nelson, a close friend of the former coach, took to the stage and sand "Healing Hands of Time." The "Ben Willie Darrell" golf tournament set for March 27 honors the friendship among Nelson, the coach and golfer Ben Crenshaw, who also attended Tuesday's service.

The Longhorn band and cheerleaders led the crowd playing "The Eyes of Texas" and closed out the memorial service for the beloved legend. Royal came to know the importance of having a band at the games, even the away games, and the musicians were part of those competitions.

Since Royal's passing, supporters, fans and friends have remembered the legendary coach and his colorful quotes. Some were able to get their hands on some of his memorabilia in an auction that he and his wife collected throughout the years, all in an effort to raise money for the Darrell K. Royal Research Fund for Alzheimer's Disease.

The statue in his honor on the southeast corner of the the UT football stadium, which is in his name, was covered with flowers and memorabilia. 

The UT bell tower was lit up in burnt orange glow after the news of this death. It will burn orange again Tuesday night in his honor.

Royal coached the Longhorns from 1957 to 1976.