Harold "Red" Lutz's Obituary
Graveside Service for Mr. Harold "Red" Lutz will be held on Saturday, September 30, 2023, at 2:30pm at Hillview Memorial Park in Alexander City, AL. Rev. Dr. Kelvin Croom will officiate. The family will receive friends on Saturday, September 30, 2023, from 1:00 pm until 2:00pm at Radney Funeral Home.
Mr. Harold Edward Lutz, most known as "Red," was an exemplary figure of resilience, determination, and unwavering spirit. Born on August 10, 1927, in Clinton, Iowa, Red's life was a testament to the power of commitment and hard work. He passed away on September 23, 2023, peacefully at home, after winning his final game in life. Although he left the field, his legacy continues to inspire.
Red's life was one of purpose and passion. He was an athlete, a teacher, a coach, a mentor, and most importantly, a loving family man. He is survived by his daughter, Lee Ann Lutz (Gregorio Andrade Gonzalez); his son, William Edward Lutz (Teresa); his brother, David Ivan Lutz; his grandchildren, Kelly F. Walsh, Andrew G. Walsh, Chelsea J. Lutz, Thomas Lutz, Charley N. Lutz; and his great-grandchildren, Jones Lutz, Mack Lutz, Jeremy Coria, and Liam Coria. Each of them carries a piece of Red's tenacious spirit and unwavering love. He is preceded in death by his wife, Mary Elizabeth Lutz; mother, Iva Mae Erickson; father, Robert Amos Lutz; brothers, Eugene Lutz, Billy Ray Lutz; and Robert Lutz.
Red's early life was marked by his active involvement in sports. He attended Clinton High School where he excelled in basketball, football, wrestling, and track. Red was drafted by the United States Army in 1946, where he served as a paratrooper at Fort Benning, GA. He carried his love for sports into the Army, joining all the sports teams, from pole vaulting and hurdling for the track team to diving for the swim team and playing football and basketball. This determination and skill caught the attention of many, leading to scholarship offers from the University of Alabama.
While attending the University of Alabama, he earned his Bachelor's degree. His athletic abilities never wavered while he was there. Red played Defensive End and Kicker for the University from 1948-1951. His hard work and dedication earned him several accolades, including 3 Varsity Letters in Football, 4 Varsity Letters in Track, and the title of Most Outstanding Player in 1951. His record for Most Attempted Points after a Touchdown in a Single Game in the SEC still stands today. During his sophomore year, Red achieved the greatest win when he married his beautiful wife, Mary Elizabeth Tyler, who was a cheerleader. They were each other's life-long teammates for 69 years, tackling every high and low along the way, together.
After his time in the Army and University, Red turned his focus to coaching, shaping the lives of young athletes for 28 years. He started as an Assistant Coach at Fairfield High School, eventually becoming the Head Coach. He also imparted his skills in woodworking to his students. His leadership continued at Tuscaloosa High School where he coached wrestling and football, earning the title of Coach of the Year. His coaching legacy is marked by the success of his players, many of whom earned college scholarships and even played in the NFL.
Red's contributions to sports were recognized with his induction into the Alabama High School Athletic Association Sports Hall of Fame in 1995 and the National Wrestling Association Hall of Fame in 2019. He was a beacon of hope and inspiration for many young players, guiding them towards success and away from trouble.
Beyond his professional accomplishments, Red was a man of diverse interests. He loved woodworking and stained-glass artistry. He enjoyed fishing and took great joy in the tranquility it brought. His faith was integral to his life, serving as a deacon and choir member at First Baptist Church and heading the College department for Calvary Baptist Church in Tuscaloosa. He held many titles in life, but he will always be remembered by his family as a loving husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather.
Red's life was a testament to the power of determination, hard work, and love for the game and life. He was a beacon of resilience, inspiring others to strive for their best, to rise above challenges, and to never stop pursuing their dreams. His memory will forever be a source of inspiration and motivation for all those who knew him. His legacy lives on in the hearts and minds of his family, his players, and all those whose lives he touched. May his journey continue to inspire us to play the game with all our heart, mind, and soul.
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