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Daniel MAGILL Obituary

MAGILL, Jr., Daniel Daniel Hamilton Magill Jr. passed away on August 24, 2014 at age 93. Born January 25, 1921 in Athens, GA, he attended Barrow School and Athens High School, graduating from the University of Georgia in 1941. Dan was a captain in the United States Marine Corp and served in the South Pacific during World War II. After the war, he worked as editor of high school sports for the Atlanta Journal. He was, for many years, the Sports Information Director for the UGA Athletic Department. He founded the Georgia Bulldog Clubs throughout Georgia. From 1955 to 1988 he was Georgia's head tennis couch, and his teams won 13 SEC Championships and two National Championships (1985 and 1987). The tennis complex at UGA is named for him, as is the press box at Sanford Stadium. He founded and was the curator of the Intercollegiate Tennis Association Hall of Fame in Athens. He was a member of the inaugural class inducted into the UGA athletic department's Circle of Honor, and was also a member of the Georgia, Southern, and intercollegiate Tennis Halls of Fame. Mr. Magill is preceded in death by his father, Daniel Hamilton Magill; mother, Elizabeth Carroll Magill Gerdine; his sister, Carroll Magill Wellman; his nephew, Thomas Magill Wellman, and cousin, Col. Merritt Pound. Survivors include his wife of 70 years, Rosemary Reynaud Magill; son, Daniel Hamilton Magill III (Brenda); daughters, Sharon Magill Brown (Bill) and Mollie Magill Sloan (Steve); grandchildren, Carroll Magill Wu (Cameron), Cathleen Magill Obray (Rick), William Bates Brown (Evie), Casey Magill Brown (Jessica), and Spencer Magill Sloan (Millie); nine great-grandchildren, as well as nephews and nieces, Walter Wellman, Betsy Wellman Calhoun, and Carroll "Oby" Dupree. Dan loved, most of all, his family, but a close second was Georgia - the state, the University, and all UGA sports teams. He truly felt, as he often said when addressing a Georgia Bulldog club crowd, that Georgia alumni and fans were "the chosen people of the Western world!" From Rabun Gap to Tybee Light, flags will surely fly at half-mast in honor of the grandest Bulldog of them all. The family would like to thank the staff at the Memory Unit of Highland Hills, as well as Southern Companions, for their help in caring for Dan. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the following organizations: UGA Tennis program, the ITA Hall of Fame, or the Dan Magill Sports Journalism Chair at the UGA School of Journalism all in care of the University of Georgia Foundation, 394 South Milledge Ave, Athens, GA 30602. There will be a private burial at Oconee Hills Cemetery on Thursday, August 28th. Friends are invited to a celebration of his life at the Athens Country Club on August 28th at 12 Noon. Online and audio condolences may be offered at www.bernsteinfuneralhome.com Bernstein Funeral Home and Cremation Service is in charge of arrangements.

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Published by Atlanta Journal-Constitution on Aug. 26, 2014.

Memories and Condolences
for Daniel MAGILL

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Freddy Birchmore

February 25, 2021

I was one of Dan's tennis elves in the 50s, along with Henry, Alex, Charlie, watering, rolling and dragging his rubico clay courts when they were on Ag Hill. In return he let us play, even practice with the Varsity. Under his guidance we became ranked junior players, undefeated throughout high school etc. We were still children when he matched us against Harvard's team as warmeruppers. We beat them all and they went home without even trying to tackle the Georgia varsity, which he really got a kick out of. He was the first to put a girl (my sister Becky) onto a men's team. She was undefeated, winning one match by default (opponent boys refused to play.) Dan was an irrepressibly mischievous entertainer. His rattlesnake-wrestling ring bout is legendary. He also was a national ping pong champion and the fastest two-finger typist in the SEC. He gave us kids free KFC to be Statisticians in the press box at football games. A famed journalist challenged him to the typing match and Dan beat him by a mile. At his Crackerland tennis tournament we liked to stay close to him, not just to receive orders ("Get in the umpire chair and call this match." " Can you relieve Basinger at the coke stand?" "Can you drive those movie people to the airport?") but to overhear his hilarious commentaries. He liked to award appellations to everybody and everything. His writing genius may be found in his columns and books ("Bulldoggeral") but his most riveting stories, as told in person, are irreplaceable.

Bobby Walker

October 29, 2014

What a gracious man. He played in one of my tennis tournaments. He did not know me from Adam yet took the time to have a conversation with someone who admired him. Surely the pearly gates have hedges.

James Hill

September 9, 2014

My name is James Hill, and I work at Trinity University in San Antonio. I had the honor of meeting Coach Magill a number of times, including at the NCAA Championships in Athens, and at a fall tournament in San Antonio. I always enjoyed visiting with him. His enthusiasm for Georgia and the sport of tennis knew no bounds! My prayers are with Coach Magill's family. I know, though, he would want us to say, "How 'Bout Them Dawgs!"

Lew Hege

August 30, 2014

To the Magill Family: I was fortunate to work for Coach Magill as an intern/manager in 1974 when we won the SEC. Coach Magill helped me get my first job when I graduated and we remained friends forever. He treated me as well as any of his All-Americans. I gave him a ride home one day after a match and we stopped at a quick pick at Five Points. Coach Magill went in and came back out with a six pack of Schlitz-- which we proceeded to split. Gotta love a guy who does that! I have a Christmas card from Coach framed in my office. I loved him dearly as he loved the Dawgs!

Jim Massey

August 29, 2014

Dear Mrs Magill, Molly, Sharon, Ham and family:

Coach Magill was a great influence on everyone connected to Georgia's sports program. He was always looking for ways to get the job done. I always remember everyone looking to him when Coach Eaves was away. He was remarkable in his memory of sports. One of my favorite memories was at the Georgia tennis courts when he was playing against another gentelemen in a tournament clsoe to his age. One of them started to cramp up, then Coach Magill got a leg cramp as the other gentleman did too. They continued to play after a few minutes both were playing basically on one leg and dragging the other leg. It was a site to behold of two competitors not going to let a cramps get in their way of winning the match.
My thoughts and prayers will be with you in the coming days and weeks.

Joe Garrett

August 29, 2014

I saw him numerous times with a broom and trash bag.

He took pride in cleanliness. He always wanted things to look their absolute best. Whether it was a candy wrapper on the ground or a small weed sprouting near a tree, he demanded his headquarters always look impeccably groomed.

In the fall of 1987, I was hired as a student assistant by current UGA Senior Associate Athletic Director Claude Felton. My primary duty involved working with Coach Magill. My secondary duty was to always refer to Georgia Tech as “The Enemy” in Coach Magill's presence.

For the next several months, Coach Magill taught me how to become a writer, a statistician, a promoter and anything it took to elevate the UGA tennis program and fill the seats at Henry Feild Stadium. And fill the seats he mastered, often drawing larger crowds than basketball and baseball games.

He was a master storyteller and his incredible brain could recall sports scores and events faster than any computer today.

“Coach, were you this smart when you were in school?” I once asked him.

“I was because I sat next to ‘A-Plus Mason' and ‘Straight-A Milligan,'” he replied. “I always picked good seats.”

For the next several months, Coach Magill threw me into the fire pit of journalism and marketing. If I wrote (what I thought was) a good story, he ripped it apart and challenged me to make it better. If the Georgia tennis team's match against a good school didn't make the front sports page of the Athens Banner-Herald or the Red & Black, he challenged me to schmooze the editors so it never happened again.

He demanded excellence. And I'll forever be grateful for his high expectations. But most of all—I'll remember him for his wit and his incredible Southern accent.

It's hard to believe his presence will no longer be a part of the landscape on the UGA campus, but his legacy will forever shine. For four years, I took numerous classes from geology to business law. Although I'm grateful for a diploma that hangs on my wall, I must confess that Dan Magill taught me more than any class I took.

August 28, 2014

I am so sorry to be unable to be present today to pay an in-person tribute to Dan! How much I cherished our relationship - really, with Dan as my mentor in so many ways . . . In spite of being a ferocious competitor, Dan was always a man of dignity and class. He cared so much about his players personally, but his family always came first! He was unbelievably creative and accomplished so many "firsts" in innumerable areas. And no matter how "serious" the occasion, he could always put it in perspective with his incredible humor! Few will be missed as much as Dan, but his legacy will live on through all of those legions he touched - certainly fellow coaches like myself amongst them. THANK YOU, Dan, for all you gave to us. My deepest sympathy to Rosemary and Family . . . Dick Gould, Stanford University

Brant Bailey

August 27, 2014

Dear Magill Family: My father died suddenly of cancer when I was 17 and I entered UGA and played tennis for Dan for the next four years. Dan was a good father figure for me. Dan's wife, Rosemary, was my freshman English teacher. Mack Crenshaw, Jr. presented the Gospel of Christ to me in word and deed while I was in school at Georgia and that message changed my life for the better forever. So, I received a lot of great things while I was at UGA. Dan was the greatest. He was a man of great humor but demanded hard persistent work on the tennis court. I have spoken of him often and will continue to speak of him often. I enjoy playing senior tennis like he did. My deepest sympathy goes out to the Magill family. Dandy Dan will be greatly missed but not forgotten. May God Bless You during this difficult time. Brant Bailey 67-70 St. Petersburg, FL

Mikael Pernfors

August 27, 2014

Coach was such a great coach, supporter, and friend. He always kept up, and would call me for a little coaching even during my pro career. He loved his players, and we all loved him. He will be sorely missed. Condolences, and apologies for not being able to attend Thursday.

GEORGE MCGRIFF

August 27, 2014

THE FAMILY....I REMEMBER MY AFTERNOONS WITH COACH, LOREN SMITH AND DAN KITCHENS AT HARRYS....BLESS ALL. LOVE GEORGE

Southern Companions

August 27, 2014

"Coach" kept joy in our hearts and always, always made us laugh. Caring for him was an absolute pleasure. Memories of our experiences with him will live on for a lifetime, he maintained his greatness in many ways even in late life. Truly, truly in a class by himself!

Southern Companions LLC

Herb Guyer-Sharfenaker USMC

August 27, 2014

God Bless/RIP,to ALL who served in WWII. The USA would NOT be as it is today. Thank YOU for your service in The United States Marine Corps in the South Pacific,Capt.Magill. "Stand down Marine,your mission is done. We will take it from here"......Semper Fi. Sir.

August 27, 2014

Dan Magill picked me up when I was with no direction and my own father passing. He said "come on and I will help you." He ranks at the top of the best men I ever knew. I thank God for him and the team he put me on. I grieve, and celebrate with you all. Charlie Ellis

James A. Hines, III, Nephew of Winston D. Hodgson

August 27, 2014

May your hearts soon be filled with wonderful memories of joyful times together as you celebrate a life well lived.

August 26, 2014

Ham,
We will always remember Coach Magill a very great part of my UGA experience.
John and Beverly Jennings

Rosemary Hendrix

August 26, 2014

Coach Magill was a one in million kind of guy. Always a pleasure to watch him play, often beating his opponent, then standing by and smiling. May his memory be eternal.

August 26, 2014

Hill and I send our deepest sympathy. Dan was Hill's coach and substitute dad while he was at UGA.He meant the world to us, especially to Hill. We named our Golden Retriever Magill and Dan made a trip over to meet him. What a special man.
Ellen and Hill Griffin Sandy Springs, GA

C C (Psalms 46:1)

August 26, 2014

May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.

And ALL for UGA

Herb USMC

August 26, 2014

ONE of "THE"

Herb USMC

August 26, 2014

Capt. of Marines

Herb USMC

August 26, 2014

Pacific

Herb USMC

August 26, 2014

Herb Guyer-Sharfenaker USMC

August 26, 2014

God Bless/RIP,to ALL who served in WWII. The USA would NOT be as it is today.Thank YOU for your service,Capt.Magill.........And Semper Fidelis Sir.

Billy and Frances Harper

August 26, 2014

Praying for the family, as we all celebrate the life of wonderful Dan.
Love and God bless you,
Billy and Frances Harper

Billy & Julie Phillips

August 26, 2014

Our heart breaks for your loss, because I know the loss we feel as UGA Alumni, so I can't image the depth with which you mourn. He was such a real person and was loved by all who ever met him!

Please accept our deepest condolences.

Kim Eberhart

August 26, 2014

I spent just a few minutes with Mr. Magill in UGA's Human Resources a few years ago when I complimented his handsome tennis racket embroidered pants. He was a precious soul, and he made a lasting impact on my life from this chance meeting. The Bulldog Nation has truly lost a great one! May God richly bless you and your family at this time of great loss!

August 26, 2014

There was no better Bulldog than Dan Magill. Affectionately known simply as "Coach" to a whole bunch of us who grew up in Athens, we learned to play tennis in return for pulling a little ivy, running the Coke stand at the Crackerland, or rolling and dragging the old clay courts. Coach usually supervised from the top row of the old stands beside Court 1--often with a well-deserved cold adult beverage at the end of a long day leading what has become known as the Bulldog Nation. While I haven't lived in Athens in more than three decades those memories are among the best and most vivid of my old hometown. Will miss you Coach! Thanks for making life so much better for so many. And don't worry, I won't forget the lob...

Bill McDougald (Birmingham, AL)

Jack Glass

August 26, 2014

My thoughts and prayers are with you all- I had so much respect for him-he made a huge footprint and was someone I always looked up to-always felt like I was a part of his gregarious family ! Jack Glass and Priscilla

Dr. Milton W. Neathery

August 26, 2014

Marie and I wish to express our sympathy in the passing of Mr. Maggill Jr. His son was my cardoligist.

Sam Fuller

August 26, 2014

What a gift we were given, what a treasure we have lost. Dan's zest for life, perpetual youth, inexhaustible energy, and encyclopedic memory are legendary and everyone who met him felt them and was infected by them. How lucky we all are to have been "coached" by him. The world was a better place by his presence. To the Magills thank you for sharing Dan with us.

Bobby Bentley - Augusta Bulldog Club

August 26, 2014

We have all been so lucky to have a man like Dan Magill to be the standard bearer of all things UGA. I am a proud follower of Dan as he showed us in the Bulldog Clubs how fortunate we are to be members of "the majority party of the empire state of the South". Dan will always be with us...Go Dogs!

August 26, 2014

I have been entertained throughout the years of the wonderful stories and adventures that my husband had in his college years working for Coach Dan MaGill. There will be a void at UGA & in Athens without one Daniel MaGill. He will be truly missed, but will always bring a smile to my husband's face in remembrance of him. Our thoughts & prayers are with the family at this time.
With deepest sympathies,
Lynda Harden Powell & Carlton Powell

Sally (Angel) Bryan

August 26, 2014

From the time I played in the Crackerland tennis tournament in 1958 at the age of 13 until the last time I saw Dan Magill in the early 90s, he never failed to call me by name and ask how I was. That says a lot about a person. He will be greatly missed by all who knew him. My condolences to the Magill family.

Bob Settles

August 26, 2014

Dan and I shared many hours playing singles on the center's #1 court, in doubles at Butch Mulherrin's clay court, and at Suwanee, Tennessee where he managed their tournament. While I was a dozen years his junior, the old fox usually figured out a way to provide a humble pill. Losing was not part of Dan's vocabulary. He will be missed.

Jay Wise

August 25, 2014

I didn't play under Coach Magill, but I was born and raised in Athens and grew up playing on the Men's Courts daily and Coach Magill was always there and I helped with the teams of the late 80's and I cant think of a more Genuine, Passionate person not just about Tennis and the University of Georgia, but about life in general. The Bulldawg Nation has been privileged and honored to have one of the Greatest Tennis Coaches of ALL TIME to be in Athens. I have many very fond memories of Coach Magill. He will be missed, but the BULLDAWG Nation should not mourn, but we should be Thankful and Celebrate the life of Coach Dan Magill. As he used to say all the time during practice...Damn good tennis boys...well Coach Magill.. .here's to you...DAMN GOOD DAWG DAN!!! WE Love you, my thoughts and prayers for the Magill family. Thanks for allowing Coach Magill to be a part of our lives for so many years...GOD BLESS

Bernstein Funeral Home

August 26, 2014

Offering our deepest condolences during this difficult time.

August 25, 2014

Coach "Dan" Magill came into my life when I married Lindsey Hopkins III. Together with Lindsey I heard the great stories of traveling days with Dan when Lindsey was playing at Georgia. Always laughing together about such happy days on the court LH III with Dan never missed a moment for a story. Jack Waters was a part of most stories. I treasure those days on the courts at UGA with the team of great guys playing for UGA. My own relationship with Dan came after Lindsey died and he shared with me the stories that meant so much to him about Lindsey.
With love, respect and memories to you, Dan's family, Wanda S. Hopkins

August 25, 2014

Dan was an inspiration to all who knew him and particularly the tennis players who were fortunate enough to play for him. I played on Dan's first team in 1955. I want to send my sincere condolences to Rosemary and the Magill family. Louis Smith (Marietta, GA)

August 25, 2014

We have lost an irreplaceable Bulldog... Dan always enjoyed a good laugh and a good story. My wife and I spent many a fun time in the presence of Dan,and Rosemary, who we thought deserved a medal for allowing Dan to take the time to do the many things he did for the University. Our prayers are with the family ... Myralyn & Don Hartsfield, UGA Tennis Capt -1958

Kip Turnage

August 25, 2014

Ham and Mrs. Magill, What an amazing and wonderful life lived, your Dan and Dad, my coach. So much would be different without his generous influence in my life during my formative years. I have been permanently impacted by Dan. I continue, using the competitive skills taught by my coach, fighting daily for my patients....never quitting, almost always finding answers to challenges. True of life in general. My life has been indelibly changed by my years with Dan. Blessings to you and your extended family. My blessings continue the rest of my life, having known Dan.

Kip Turnage

Norman Holmes

August 25, 2014

My condolences to the Magill Family--Coach Magill will be missed greatly by those who were fortunate enough to have crossed his path!! He was a father figure and mentor to so many of his ex-players.We were lucky to have experienced your wit,and your wisdom--thank you,Coach!!

Alan Michael

August 25, 2014

Coach Magill was one of a kind. In so many ways he has been a positive influence in my life since we first met in 1975. After graduating from UGA in 1977, I returned for the NCAAs and seeing Coach, with a 6 1/2 oz bottle of Coca Cola sitting there with that "cat that ate the canary" grin, made we feel so at ease. I will miss him but will never forget anything about him. Rest in Peace Coach, you are loved by so many!

Bill Reid

August 25, 2014

So sorry for your loss. My dad, Jack Reid, would often speak of Dan and all the wonderful things he did for UGA. I'm sure they are together now in Heaven and continuing those conversations from years past.

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