Jack Razor

Professor Emeritus Jack Razor passed away peacefully at his home on Sunday, May 20, 2018. He was surrounded by his loving family the day he died.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Emma Faye and Orville Razor. He is survived by his wife of 49 years, Phyllis Razor of Athens; his children Brant and Jill (Bryan); and three grandchildren Avery, Taylor, and Jackson Wells.

A New Castle, Indiana native, Jack earned his bachelor's degree from Ball State University where he was the starting quarterback, his master's degree from Ohio University, and his doctoral degree in physical education from Indiana University. At the University of Illinois he served as Director of Graduate Programs in the department of physical education. In his 30's, he was appointed Dean of the College of Applied Science and Technology at Illinois State University. In 1982 he was named Executive Vice President of the American Alliance for Health, Physical Education, Recreation, and Dance in Reston, Virginia where he was responsible for the development of the nation's educators and professionals in a variety of education, health, and sports-related fields. President Reagan presented the National Association for Sport and Physical Education award to him in the Oval Office for his efforts and contribution.

In 1986 he was recruited to the University of Georgia and became Director of the School of Health and Human Performance which was comprised of five academic departments. One of the highlights of his career was generating the documentation, rationale and support for a multimillion dollar academic, research, and physical activity facility; then overseeing the completion of what would become the Ramsey Center. In 1997, Sports Illustrated named it the best student recreational facility in the country and it continues to be utilized and enjoyed by students and faculty at UGA.

An avid sports fan and devoted family man, nothing brought greater happiness to Jack than watching his children compete-- that is, when they played well. He could easily be spotted in the stands at Athens Academy with a 10-foot radius of empty seats as he and other friends/fans preferred to keep his intensity to himself. He never missed a high school sporting event of his children and after retiring in 2002 he volunteered to coach the 7th and 8th grade girls' basketball team which he thoroughly enjoyed.

The final decade of his life was lived in the dark shadows of dementia. He bravely and patiently battled the slow progression of the disease which robbed him of his words and daily jogs around the neighborhood. However, a smile would frequently appear on his face whenever his grandchildren visited. Avery, Taylor, and Jackson loved their Peepaw.

A memorial service and celebration of his life will be held at the First Presbyterian Church in Athens on Saturday, June 23, at 2 pm.