A WHO’s WHO of Texas alumni and friends turned out to pay tribute to the legendary coach as Darrell K Royal Fund for Alzheimer’s Research received a wonderful kick start for its mission March 27 at the Moody Theater at ACL Live in downtown Austin.
The fundraising gala, hosted by Larry Gatlin and championed by Ben Crenshaw and Royal’s widow, Edith Royal, was highlighted by a video tribute to the late coach. A parade of former players from the ’50s and ’70s also attended the event.
Royal died Nov. 7 at age 88 after …
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a six-year battle with Alzheimer’s and, ultimately, complications from a fall in the extended care facility in which he most recently lived.
Remembrances of Royal were given by Texas Attorney General Greg Abbott and Crenshaw. Coach Mack Brown and his wife, Sally, also talked about their friendship with the Royals.
“We’ll do whatever we can to put an end to the disease that took coach Royal away from us,” Brown said. “This fundraiser is a way to make a difference and assure that research into stopping Alzheimer’s continues.”
Willie Nelson ended the evening with a concert that included the song “Angel Flying Too Close to the Ground,” one of the Royals’ favorites.
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