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Voice of the Razorbacks Paul Eells has passed away.

Started by Lanny, July 31, 2006, 11:06:30 pm

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Lanny

Paul Eells was involved in a tragic vehicle accident Monday evening.  Click on Hogville.net to read more.

SandLizard04


MHSPANTHERS

Very sad news indeed which is being further verified on the Arkansas Times website.
May Good Bless Paul and his family. RIP Paul
(for those of us a little older, this is reminiscent of another Voice of the Razorbacks & KATV Sports Director, Bud Campbell, who tragically died in an auto accident in 1974).
http://www.arktimes.com/blogs/arkansasblog/2006/07/eells_update.aspx

buzzinbee

He will be missed, razorback bb games won't be the same. 
My prayers go out to the family

msubulldogs21

That's very sad news to hear.

Prayers from Blytheville.

rabs_fan4life

OMG!!  This is so sad!  I hadn't heard until I read this!  He was an amazing guy and an even better sports caster!  He will be missed by so many!  My eyes are welling up with tears so quickly!  RIP Paul, you were the best and we are going to miss you!!  Many many many prayers to his family and friends!  I don't know if my dad knows yet or not but if he does find out when he wakes up in the morning he is going to be absolutely crushed!


W

This is awful.

I met Paul Eels not even a couple months ago. We had a short conversation in which I told him about growing up watching him cover sports on the news. He replied with a remark about how incredibly long he'd been doing sportscasting; he seemed very happy and very fulfilled with his career. He really loved it. I can't remember a time when he wasn't the one I watched doing sportscasting on TV. This is so sad; I'll be praying for his family.

Uncle Ivan

It was a woman from Dover who also died, a Billie J. Burton.


The_reality_is...

golly gee......this sucks.

I met Paul a while ago for the first and only time....it was a real honor, being in my feild and all. We were covering the John Daly tournamnet in honor of Paul Runyan, and we had been there all day, and he showed up at about 2. I walked up to him, with my camera, and told him "This is a TV-6 tech exclusive...I am going to have to ask you and your crew to skiddadle." He looked at me like...Huh? And I said.."I'm kidding" and shook his hand and said "Nice to meet you." He said somehing like "With that kind of attitude, you have a chance in this business."

So sad.....RIP

DeltaRazorback

at times like these, words don't mean a whole lot. however, i will try to put down what i'm truly feeling right now. paul eells was a legend in the state of arkansas. his play by play on the arsn network was second to none. i think back to how many wonderful games he brought us. the 7 OT thriller in oxford. the 6 OT heart wrenching defeat in knoxville. his quality was unmatched. he and keith jackson formed such a great team in the booth. they complemented each other so well. paul was such a class act as human being. there wasn't much he wouldn't do for any type of charity in the state of arkansas. always wearing a smile, he represented the university of arkansas, channel 7, and our great state to the best of his abilities. no one covered the travs and high school football highlights like he did for so many years. he was like a member of your family. always there at 5,6, and 10. i remember watching news with my father as a little boy and enjoying the laugh and smile that paul brought to television. in arkansas, and throughout sec country, paul eels was very respected in his profession. i can't
imagine the pain and loss his family and close friends must be feeling right now. our prayers should be with his family at a time like this. paul, you brought the razorbacks to life for so many of us. your life was a shining example of how a man should go about his daily walk with the lord. you will be greatly missed and endeared for many years to come.

chrismurphy19

I had the honor of meeting Paul a few times before some Razorback basketball games. He was a great sportscaster, and an even better person. I never saw him without a smile on his face, and he always had something nice to say. One of the times I met him was before the Alabama basketball game this past year, right after we had beaten Florida and we were fined for charging the court. Paul said "Hey, if you guys want to storm the court tonight, I'll pay the fine. We all love our Hogs, and we should be able to show it in whatever way we want to." Razorback games will never be the same again. He will be dearly missed by all Arkansans, no matter what University they affiliate themselves with. My thoughts and prayers go out to the Eels family and to the Burton family.

wynneaholic©

shocked!!  The greatest sports announcer in the history of Arkansas.

In memory of Paul Eells.......................



TOUCHDOWN HEAVEN!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

RD™


Old Lion

I never had the pleasure of meeting the man, but it feels as if part of a family member is gone now. Our deepest sympathy goes out to all families and friends of everyone involved. He will be greatly missed and remembered.

Majique™

August 01, 2006, 08:44:34 am #16 Last Edit: August 01, 2006, 09:20:39 am by Majique™
I was raised in Virginia and joined the Air Force after High School.  My first (and only) assignment with the Air Force was Little Rock Air Force Base.  Coming off the airplane at Adams Field the day I arrived in Arkansas I noticed a man with a wardrobe bag draped over his shoulder with "Eells" embroidered on it.  I had no idea who he was but I thought that was a unique name.  As I passed the man in the breezeway I asked if he knew where I could catch a taxi to the base.  We "chatted" for a bit as we walked and  before we went our separate ways I remember him saying " Welcome to Arkansas young man, you're going to love this State."  I was surprised when I saw him on TV days later and felt fortunate that I had an opportunity to talk with him.   I was 19 then, I'm 44 now and Arkansas is still my "home" after spending 20 years at LR Air Force Base.

The first person I talked to in Arkansas is being missed today.  Thanks for welcoming me to my "home".  We love you Paul.

~Majique

retiredlion05

There never will be anyone who can fill his shoes.  Paul, you will be missed!  Prayers for the families of both people involved.

I know it's way too soon to be even thinking about this but who do y'all think will try to fill his shoes.  My guess is Steve Sullivan.  The Hogs and KATV seem to have a great history.

heathwaldrop

Well this was upsetting news to begin the day. Gosh, just a few weeks before football season. I'll bet Paul really was looking forward to it, too.

It's like I've lost part of my childhood. I've been following U of A football since I was around four years old, since around 1980. He's the only Voice of the Razorbacks I've ever known.

I realize that my loss sounds very selfish and obviously pales in comparison to what his family is going through today, but I think that it reflects the personal relationship that all of we U of A fans felt that we had with the man. He came into our homes so many fall Saturdays for hours on end, not to mention on KATV sports broadcasts so many nights a week, for years and years.

Scoopnscore

Prayers for the Eels and Burton families.

I listened to a sports talk show this morning.  By all accounts, Mr. Eels demonstrated kindness and grace to everyone.  What a legacy he leaves!

Lions84

Quote from: MHSPANTHERS on July 31, 2006, 11:25:52 pm
Very sad news indeed which is being further verified on the Arkansas Times website.
May Good Bless Paul and his family. RIP Paul
(for those of us a little older, this is reminiscent of another Voice of the Razorbacks & KATV Sports Director, Bud Campbell, who tragically died in an auto accident in 1974).
http://www.arktimes.com/blogs/arkansasblog/2006/07/eells_update.aspx

Yep I remember when Bud Campbell died on that rainy day too back in 1974.

Prayers for the Eels and Burton famliies from Lions84


4029SportsTeam

I greatly admired Paul and even idolized him, which takes a lot in my opinion.  I got to meet him a few years back at the Hooten's Classic and we chatted some in the elevator and up in the pressbox and he was just a great guy.

One thing just a little odd and I'm not sure if this is true, but I had a caller on my radio show this morning call and said the last sportscaster he replaced, can't remember his name, was killed in an accident also on Hwy 71 between Alma and Fayetteville.

Now I don't know if this is true, but either way a very sad day for the world.

retiredlion05

Quote from: 4029SportsTeam on August 01, 2006, 11:18:26 am
I greatly admired Paul and even idolized him, which takes a lot in my opinion.  I got to meet him a few years back at the Hooten's Classic and we chatted some in the elevator and up in the pressbox and he was just a great guy.

One thing just a little odd and I'm not sure if this is true, but I had a caller on my radio show this morning call and said the last sportscaster he replaced, can't remember his name, was killed in an accident also on Hwy 71 between Alma and Fayetteville.

Now I don't know if this is true, but either way a very sad day for the world.

Yes, that is true.  Though, I can't verify the location but Bud Campbell was the broadcaster prior to Paul and Bud died in a car wreck back in the 70's.

memphisguy


RisonRacingFan

Quote from: memphisguy on August 01, 2006, 11:24:34 am
Quote from: Rison Tradition on August 01, 2006, 11:00:07 am

Great work Rison Tradition.
Thoughts and prayers to both families.

I was'nt the one who made that.I shouldve put that in the post..it was on hogville and I thought Id share.

Uncle Ivan

It does quite feel like a family member has passed.

RHS

Quote from: Uncle Ivan on August 01, 2006, 01:38:14 pm
It does quite feel like a family member has passed.

Yes it does. Never met him but I've gotten a little wet in the eyes a few times.

memphisguy

I am just heart broken over the grief the two families are going through right now. I am imagine it. Much prayers of comfort, strength, wisdom, grace and mercy for all involved.

Super Scrapper

Quote from: Mr. Real Estate on August 01, 2006, 11:21:52 am
Quote from: 4029SportsTeam on August 01, 2006, 11:18:26 am
I greatly admired Paul and even idolized him, which takes a lot in my opinion.  I got to meet him a few years back at the Hooten's Classic and we chatted some in the elevator and up in the pressbox and he was just a great guy.

One thing just a little odd and I'm not sure if this is true, but I had a caller on my radio show this morning call and said the last sportscaster he replaced, can't remember his name, was killed in an accident also on Hwy 71 between Alma and Fayetteville.

Now I don't know if this is true, but either way a very sad day for the world.

Yes, that is true.  Though, I can't verify the location but Bud Campbell was the broadcaster prior to Paul and Bud died in a car wreck back in the 70's.


While it is true that Bud Campbell also died tragically, Paul did not succeed him.  KATV had two other Sportscasters before Paul.  One was Dave Woodman from KARK Channel 4.  He was not there long before he decided to go back to KARK.  The came a "Big" Sam Smith, he left to go into private broadcasting.  They were both very good.  Then Paul came to us from Nashville, Tennessee where he had served for years as voice of the Vanderbilt University Commodores.  I am thrilled that Paul was recently honored by being inducted into the Arkansas Sports Hall of Fame.   Paul and his family are in my prayers...SS

Go Scrappers
  :)

4029SportsTeam

thx scapper.  i just had a caller mention that on my show this morning and was just a little ironic, but thanks for clearing that up.

Super Scrapper

The picture of Paul looking over Razorback Stadium is one that is very "Real" looking.  I think that he will always be there.  I don't think anyone loved the program more.  The man was truly devoted to his job.  Don't we all wish we had a job that we could enjoy as much?..... SS

Go Scrappers
  ;D


wynneaholic©

seems so unreal.  Such a tragedy to live such a prosperous and productive life touching so many people in his own special way, and have it snatched away in an instant.  Folks take things differently and this reminds me of Dale Earnhardt hitting the wall at Daytona and when they announced he was killed, well I felt like a member of the family just died.  Paul has been in practicaly every home in Arkansas, had lunch with probably everyone of us on this board.  Not in person but still the same felt as if he were sitting next to us jabbing us in the side saying, "oh my what a play"  Rest in Peace Paul, you will always be the voice of the Razorbacks

War Eagle

Such a great guy.  I'm not even an Arkansas fan and I can say that he was a great guy.  My prayers to his family.

Throwback

Prayers and condolences from an LSU fan.  Paul was first class, that is the only way to say it.  I can just see him crossing into the Ultimate Endzone into God's prescence and proclaiming "OH MY!"  Rest In Peace Paul, and to the Hog Nation, be proud you had him as long as you did. There were none better.

Crouching Tiger

mulerider12

just heard on KATV that the story on the website has been read 3.8 million times today. That is just a testimate to how many people he truly touched.. God Bless Paul and be with the family of both victoms of this tragic day..

MHSPANTHERS

August 01, 2006, 10:05:41 pm #37 Last Edit: August 01, 2006, 10:08:44 pm by MHSPANTHERS
Quote from: Majique™ on August 01, 2006, 08:44:34 am
I was raised in Virginia and joined the Air Force after High School.  My first (and only) assignment with the Air Force was Little Rock Air Force Base.  Coming off the airplane at Adams Field the day I arrived in Arkansas I noticed a man with a wardrobe bag draped over his shoulder with "Eells" embroidered on it.  I had no idea who he was but I thought that was a unique name.  As I passed the man in the breezeway I asked if he knew where I could catch a taxi to the base.  We "chatted" for a bit as we walked and  before we went our separate ways I remember him saying " Welcome to Arkansas young man, you're going to love this State."  I was surprised when I saw him on TV days later and felt fortunate that I had an opportunity to talk with him.   I was 19 then, I'm 44 now and Arkansas is still my "home" after spending 20 years at LR Air Force Base.

The first person I talked to in Arkansas is being missed today.  Thanks for welcoming me to my "home".  We love you Paul.

~Majique

Your story is an amazing tribute to the type of person that Paul was. Very typical of him to say and do the things you mention as evidenced by others testimony of their meeting him personally as well.

What's also amazing is that I heard you on KARN describing these exact details this morning. And, as luck would have it, your comments have been achieved and can be heard by going to the KARN website for those who have registered accounts. Your comments can be heard under the heading "Words from the Phone Callers, Part 1". (I tried to post the link but have been unable to; listeners do have to register for a free account to be able to log in; so, that it proably what the problem is).
Anyway, nice job; I was touched by your description about your encounter with Paul.


Majique™

August 08, 2006, 12:08:17 pm #38 Last Edit: August 08, 2006, 12:16:13 pm by Majique™
Thanks for the info...listening to the archived audio is surreal KARN Call-In...still can't believe I won't be hearing that familiar voice this fall.  How many times was he there when I was washing my car, working on a project, driving, or watching the game on a muted TV, etc. 

Lions84


Lions84

Sure wish Paul had been there in Houston to call that big Hog win over TEXAS!

Lions84


Lions84


Ventman


Lions84

I will always miss him,He like Bud Campbell had a special talent at calling Razorback Games.

Legend

There will be noone else like him. Id love to hear him call some of the games Arkansas has been in since his passing. The OT thrillers this year.

Lions84

Quote from: Legend on December 03, 2015, 05:53:50 am
There will be noone else like him. Id love to hear him call some of the games Arkansas has been in since his passing. The OT thrillers this year.

Yes He and Bud are the door posts for all Hog broadcasters to pass.

Legend

Wonder what Paul would have thought about all this drama and the OLE MISS play

Maynard G Krebs

Quote from: Legend on December 10, 2015, 05:49:01 am
Wonder what Paul would have thought about all this drama and the OLE MISS play

Oh, my!

Lions84

Quote from: Maynard G Krebs on December 10, 2015, 08:04:06 am
Quote from: Legend on December 10, 2015, 05:49:01 am
Wonder what Paul would have thought about all this drama and the OLE MISS play

Oh, my!

YEP Oh MY! a Crazy Lateral by Hunter Henry picked up by Collins who lines up his blockers to the maker First down A fumble Hogs recover and are still in the game against Ole Miss/

Fox 16 Arkansas Fox 24 Arkansas