“Red McCombs was San Antonio’s anchor” | Icon of Texas remembered at memorial service

The San Antonio businessman, sports owner and philanthropist passed away last Sunday at the age of 95.

SAN ANTONIO. A memorial service was held Monday morning for San Antonio business icon Red McCombs.

McCombs passed away last Sunday at the age of 95. The service at the Tobin Center was called “Celebration of a Life Well Lived.”

Texas Gov. Greg Abbott and Spurs coach Gregg Popovich spoke during the service.

BJ Red McCombs created and developed a car dealership empire in the city of Alamo. City leaders say McCombs helped bring San Antonio to national attention.

“Red McCombs epitomizes the saying that everything and everything is bigger in Texas.” Abbott said in his speech. “He became the flag bearer for San Antonio, Texas, and the United States.”

He served in the Army after World War II and used G.I. Law to study at the University of Texas Business School and Law School at Austin.

“The University of Texas has a motto: “What starts here changes the world.” Nobody took it more seriously than Red McCombs,” Abbott said.

He moved to San Antonio in 1958 and brought the Dallas Chaparrals basketball team to San Antonio in 1973, renaming them the Spurs.

“I am grateful that I knew him. I am grateful to the McCombs family,” former Spurs legend David Robinson said in a video tribute at the memorial service.

“He was an outstanding figure…his booming voice, intimidating facial expression, his direct shooting. He didn’t take fools…he was a special guy,” Spurs head coach Gregg Popovich said.

“Red McCombs was the anchor for San Antonio,” former Spurs player Avery Johnson said.

The billionaire also owned the Denver Nuggets and the Minnesota Vikings.

He also co-founded Clear Channel Communications.

McCombs was known for his philanthropy, donating $30 million to M.D. Anderson Cancer Center.

“The early lesson in sharing left a lasting impression on the young McCombs. He said the joy of giving never ceased to amaze him,” Abbott said.

Popovich agreed that McCombs’ passion for philanthropy was something unique and special.

“This is not just a schemer who gave and loved his family. He really enjoyed everything he did,” he said.

He donated another $50 million to the University of Texas business school named after him. In addition to the business school, McCombs helped fund a brand new softball stadium and the north end area at DKR-Texas Memorial Stadium, both named after him.

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texasstandard.news contributed to this report.

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