Paul Eells (1935-2006)
The
Times-Record out of Fort Smith, Arkansas and other media sources are confirming that Paul Eells, the voice of the Arkansas Razorbacks, passed away Monday evening due to injuries suffered in an automobile accident. Reports indicate that the vechile Eells was driving crossed the median and struck an oncoming vehicle driven by Bille J. Burton. Both drivers were pronounced dead on the scene.
Eells became the radio voice of the Razorbacks' football team in 1978. He also provided play-by-play for television broadcasts of Arkansas basketball and was the longtime Sports Director for KATV's Channel 7 News. His trademark call of "Touchdown, Arkansas!" endeared him to generations of Razorback fans.
Gov. Mike Huckabee called Eells "a great man and true Arkansas icon." He said Tuesday state flags will fly at half staff on the day of Eells' funeral and asked for prayers for Eells' family. "The reason that Paul Eells was so beloved in this state was not only for his unmatched professional skills ... but for his authentic optimism, kindness, and thoughtfulness," the governor said.
Eells is survived by his wife and three children. He was 70-years old.
