McCombs died last Sunday at the age of 95.
SAN ANTONIO — A memorial service is being held to pay tribute to San Antonio business icon Red McCombs.
McCombs died last Sunday at the age of 95. A memorial service is being held Monday morning downtown at the Tobin Center at 9 a.m. The service is being called “A celebration of a life well lived.”
Watch the memorial service live below:
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Governor Greg Abbott and Spurs Coach Gregg Popovich both spoke during the service.
B.J. Red McCombs created and developed a car dealership empire in the Alamo City. City leaders say McCombs helped to put San Antonio in the national spotlight.
“Red McCombs personifies the saying that everything and everyone is bigger in Texas.” Governor Greg Abbott said in his remarks. “He became a standard-bearer for San Antonio, Texas and the United States.”
He served in the Army after World War II and used the GI Bill to study at the business and law schools at The University of Texas at Austin.
He moved to San Antonio in 1958 and brought the Dallas Chaparrals basketball team to San Antonio in 1973, renaming them the Spurs.
“I’m grateful to have known him. I’m grateful to the McCombs family,” said former Spurs legend David Robinson in a video tribute at the memorial service.
The billionaire also owned the Denver Nuggets and Minnesota Vikings.
He was also a co-founder of Clear Channel Commmunications.
McCombs was known for his philanthropy, giving $30 million to the M.D. Anderson Cancer Center.
“The early lesson of sharing with others left an indelible impression on a young McCombs. He said the joy of giving never ceased to amaze him,” Governor Greg Abbott said.
He also gave another $50 million to the University of Texas business school, which is named in his honor. Beyond the business school, Red helped fund a brand-new softball stadium and the north end zone at DKR-Texas Memorial Stadium, both named in his honor.
The funeral will be livestreamed within this article. Check back for updates.