May 17, 2007

DALLAS - Harry Shuford, a two-time All American and tri-captain of SMU's 1935 National Championship team, passed away on Wednesday. He was 92.

Shuford was an All-American fullback in 1934 and 1935, but later became known as the boyhood idol of Doak Walker, who won the 1948 Heisman Trophy while playing for SMU. Shuford befriended the young Walker, who grew up not far from the school. Walker used to watch SMU practice during the mid-1930s and young Doak would hold Shuford's helmet and play catch with him during breaks. Walker was said to have chosen the number 37 when he arrived at SMU because that was Shuford's number.

Shuford was drafted by the Philadelphia Eagles but attended law school at SMU, where he graduated first in his class. He went on to a prominent career in law and banking. He served as an assistant attorney general for the state of Texas as well as general counsel for Dr Pepper. After switching careers to banking, he was the president of the Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis and the chairman of the board of First National Bank of Dallas.

Among his many civic endeavors, Shuford was the president of the Cotton Bowl Athletic Association as well as the Salesmanship Club of Dallas.

A private graveside service will be followed by a public memorial at 11 a.m. Friday at Oak Lawn United Methodist Church, 3014 Oak Lawn Ave. Parking is in the rear of the church.