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Willie Leon Manley

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Colgate University University of Oklahoma University of Texas

FUNERAL HOME

Cook-Walden/Capital Parks Funeral Home & Cemetery

14501 North Ih-35

Pflugerville, Texas

Willie Manley Obituary

Willie Leon Manley "Coach" 1926 - 2010 Willie Leon Manley, 83, longtime resident of Austin, passed away at his home on March 13, 2010, surrounded by his loving family and friends. He was born and raised in Hollis, Oklahoma to Willie Lee and Virginia Overton Manley. Known by Leon, his football career started in the 7th grade. During his junior year of high school, his team went undefeated with his lifelong friend and teammate Darrell Royal. After high school, Leon proudly served his country in the U.S. Navy. In 1946, Leon married the love of his life, Johnnie Boggs Manley. They shared over 62 beautiful years together, until her death in 2008. Leon played football alongside Darrell at the University of Oklahoma for several successful seasons until he was drafted for the Green Bay Packers. After an injury, he continued on with his education, achieving his master's degree, while also coaching and continuing to play alongside, Darrell. He admirably achieved great success at home with his family as well, raising his sons as a wonderful husband. In 1966, after several years of coaching at Northeast Louisiana and Colgate University, Leon joined Darrell at the University of Texas. During his tenure, the Longhorns won two National Championships and six straight Southwest Conference Championships. He continued his career as a Coach and Mentor until 1985. He retired as Supervisor of the Athletic Facilities in 1992. Leon was an active member of Austin Baptist Church, always enjoying time with his church family and rejoicing the Lord. Leon was a remarkable coach and guide to many generations of football players and students. His compassion and commitment to his players will never be forgotten. But most of all, his duty as husband, father, grandfather, great- grandfather and friend is the example he leaves for all who were blessed to be apart of his legacy. Leon was a kind and generous man who will forever be missed. Leon is survived by his sons: Stan Manley and wife, Rosie; Mark Manley; three grandchildren; 10 great-grandchildren; and countless special loved ones and friends. The family will receive guests at the funeral home from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m., Tuesday, March 16, 2010. A memorial service will be held in Coach Leon's honor, at Austin Baptist Church, Wednesday, March 17, 2010 at 10:00 a.m. To share memories about Coach Leon Manley, please visit www.cookwaldencapitalparks.com.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Austin American-Statesman on Mar. 16, 2010.

Memories and Condolences
for Willie Manley

23 Entries

Scott Winfield

March 1, 2012

I am sorry I only knew Coach for one season at the Univ. of Wyoming. I admit I was afraid of him, I was a Freshman and far from home. I got to see him when we went to the U. of Texas in 78' to play a game, he had kind things to say and was proud of how I played. I often think of him and think what could have been if I had Coach for all four years at Wyo. My deepest, belated sympathies to all his family. It was a privledge to know him.

Scott Winfield (Newton, NJ)

Jackie (Manley) Vanderhule

March 23, 2010

Stan, I have such wonderful memories of my relationship with your mom & dad. I feel very lucky to have been a part of their lives. I learned many things from them & have wonderful memories to look back on. I know how happy they are to be together again.

March 20, 2010

When I came to UT in 1966 I was 6'2" and weighed only 135 lbs. I was really skinny ! I was lucky enough to get Mr. Manley as my weight lifting coach in PE (which college students still had to take then). He told us he was just like us in that he would love just to party and have a great time but you can't go through life like that---you have to have a strong body and mind and the only way to do that is to exercise both body and mind. I gained 18 lbs. that first semester and all of it was muscle. I never saw him again but I never forgot him---he gave me tools to get through life and I have used them as well as I could. I just wanted his family to know how much his students liked him and how much we learned from him. Bob Perkins, Judge of the 331st District Court and Presiding Judge of the Travis County Criminal Courts

Rita Wright

March 20, 2010

Stan: I'm sure Jim and Leon and Johnnie are up there in heaven having a wonderful visit. Jim and I didn't visit Leon and Johnnie after we left the neighborhood, but we never forgot about them. I wish we had stayed in touch. I'm still a Longhorn, even though after Jim died in 2005 I moved to Missouri to be closer to my family.

Debbye Mangum

March 18, 2010

I had the privilege of being secretary to Coach Manley for about 5 years. He was a wonderful 'teddy bear' of a man whom I greatly admired. Heaven will be a better place with Johnnie & him back together again.

Christy Rider

March 17, 2010

Coach Manley will always be a legend in the Rider family. My husband, Craig Rider, played offensive line for Coach Manley in the late 1970's, and our memories of him are fond ones. I spent many afternoons in Memorial stadium watching practice, and my most vivid memory of those practices is Coach Manley's loud, encouraging words and his head bobbing up and down as his offensive linemen went through their various drills. Little did I know that the man on that field whom I thought was a grizzly bear was really a teddy bear at heart! Craig would disappear on Sundays to watch film with teammates, Coach Manley and Johnnie's popcorn. "Your girlfriend loves you, your mama loves you, your dog loves you and I love you," he would tell his seldom acknowledged offensive linemen. And he meant it. I'm sure that Coach Manley's devotion to his players was a reflection of the love and devotion that he had for Johnnie, his sons and their families, his many friends and his Lord. We are all better people for having known Coach Manley.

George James

March 17, 2010

Coach Manley was one of the greatest I have ever known. I had the honor of playing for him at Texas. When you love and respect a coach like we did coach Manley, well you would just do anything for him. He truly made us as good as we could become. I will never forget the popcorn when we watched film. He was so unselfish and just a great man. I am so honored to have known him.

Craig Rider

March 17, 2010

I was truely blessed to be coached by Coach Manley. He provided me the foundation to not only play offensive line, but to share his unique ability to teach the game of football to others. I have endlees memories of Coach Manley and his comittment to young men!
Thanks Coach for all you did! I will never forget you!!
Craig Rider-Billings MT

March 17, 2010

Leon and Johnnie were dear friends of ours during the years that some of our children were in high school. My wife Pat and Johnnie were very close and they both were much loved by us and our family.
Our condolences go out to Stan, Mark and the rest of the family.
We are currently still in Az but will be returning home soon and we are so sad we were not able to be with you. Bill and Pat Spiegel (Dale, Texas)

Rick Ingraham

March 17, 2010

Coach Manley was a tough minded coach, our friend & spiritual role model. He came from the same 'OU red dirt' that produced the greatest combination of player/coach/role model, Darrell Royal, Coach Manley excelled in life. He was a great leader & teacher of men, a gentleman, & honest to the core.
I will miss him, but never forget him, and if I live as he taught, I will see him again.

Susan Anderson

March 17, 2010

My deepest condolences to the entire Manley family. I have such fond memories of Johnnie and Leon and the happy times that our families enjoyed. I was always struck by the love and devotion that Johnnie and Leon showed one another - their eyes sparkled when they were at each other's side. I will always remember Leon's big bear hug that he embraced us with whenever we met. He was the kindest and most sincere man that I have met. I know that he and Johnnie are together again and smiling down on us all.

Bryan Chester

March 17, 2010

Coach Manley was something special! To this day, I still remember him and his life lessons taught. My condolences go out to his family.

jim laudadio

March 16, 2010

march 16, 2010
in august 1956 i traveled from jeannette, pennsylvania to monroe, louisiana. i had a scholarship to play football at northeast, and the first person i met at the bus station was coach leon manley, who had come to deliver me to the college, and the start of my college life. i came to admire coach manley for his toughness, discipline, and his fairness.

p.s. i never could beat him in the 50 yard dash---

jim laudadio, rockport, texas

Sharyl Decker Ruiz

March 16, 2010

I was blessed with having had the opportunity to work with Coach Manley during the 15 years I worked in the Men's Athletic Department at the University of Texas at Austin. He was a kind and gentle man who always seemed to have time to smile and say hello...even on bad days. What a pleasure to have shared a tiny bit of his life! He will always have a special place in my heart. My thoughts and prayers are with his family. I am sure God is delighted to have him home.

March 16, 2010

Coach Manley was a GREAT guy! Tricia & Jules Lund

Hub Ingraham

March 16, 2010

Leon, you were one of the first people I met when I moved to Austin 1n 1968, having been introduced by my old friend, Leon Black at Gregory Gym. I was looking for a handball game as were you, so that was the beginning of a long friendship. I still have some bruises from trying to get around your long arms, and I don't think I ever beat you. We are also bonded from the coaching of my son, Rick, who had the privilege of playing for you in the 70s. These words cannot capture how much I admire you for the spirit and affection you created with your players. God Bless you, my friend. I will never forget you.

Debra Rutledge

March 16, 2010

I am saddened by the loss of such a kind and gentle man. Both Johnnie and Leon were beloved friends of the Spiegel family. Stan and Mark ... my thoughts and prayers are with you and your families. Debra (Spiegel) Rutledge

Marsha Ayers

March 16, 2010

Our condolences to Stan and Rosie and Mark, and Edith Ray, Debbie and Steve. Leon was a great guy. I know my dad, Joe Ray thought a lot of him and enjoyed him as his brother-in-law. I am sure they had lots of talks about football. Johnnie and Leon were a wonderful couple. I am sure Johnnie and dad are welcoming Leon home.
Our thoughts and prayers are with you,

Marsha and Randy Ayers and family

Janet Spiegel Stalbaum

March 16, 2010

I have such dear and special memories of your family while growing up. Your father was always a gentle giant in my eyes and to hear of his passing is so sad. I pray for your parents so beautiful and graceful. God bless all your family during this time. From all the Spiegel Family.

Kathy Gossett

March 16, 2010

Coach Manley will be greatly missed by the Gossett family. Prayers for all his family and friends. Kathy Gossett

March 16, 2010

My thoughts and prayers are with the family.Leon was my friend Eddie Oran

James & Janie Street

March 16, 2010

Coach was a wonderful man, athlete, husband and father. He will be greatly missed by everyone who knew him. The Street Family send our thoughts and prayers to his family during this time of great loss.

March 16, 2010

Stan and Rosie,I didn't know Mr Manley that well,just what you all had told me through the years.My family and I are very sorry for your loss and wanted to let you know if you need anything at all let us know.
God Bless You

Tracy,Jerry,Josh and Zach Russell

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