As a chapter ended in Harding sports history, West Side Church was full of former Bison football players, cheerleaders, brothers and sisters in Christ, family and friends who gathered to remember the life and legacy of Coach John Prock.

The lobby showcased memorabilia of his successful career and an amazing family, but the real story was his impact and inspiration in the lives he touched. Former players from 1960-87 wore gold ribbons. Red ribbons identified the West Side volunteers and Harding Public Safety officers who assisted Coach Prock and Charlene throughout the years as she cared for him at home. 

Chancellor Ganus, Adrian Hickmon, Dean Kilmer, Scott Ragsdale, Jim Citty and a host of former players addressed the gathering.

Below are some of the sentiments:
Heart of a lion and a lamb. What you do today shapes your tomorrows. God, family and football… in that order. Great teacher. Believed in people and loved the underdog. Would never give up on anyone. Believed in grace and the power to come back. Could see something special in many that others couldn't see. Tough, strong, and meek…a  gentle man. Would not let you quit. An answer to a mother's prayer. A father-figure. Funny. A man of integrity. Good husband, father, family man…

A slide show of football memories played to the music of “The Boys of Fall” highlighted his football career. 

The assembly sang “God's Family.”  The lyrics were a testament of the audience and its relationship with the Prock family. 
Those who knew of Charlene's devotion and commitment to her husband spoke with admiration of their love story of 64 years. Another slide show of his life played to the music of “Summer Ranges.”  There is a line in the song that says, “True partners never part.”

Dr. Jim Citty closed with these remarks and a prayer: “He was a Bulldog from Southwestern Oklahoma before he became a Bison. From his humble beginnings, he became an inspiration to many.  He was resourceful and made the most of the facilities and the athletes that he was given. For those of you who didn't play football, I know it is hard for you to understand this bond. We shared blood, sweat and tears. Coach Prock taught us that you had to work hard, and pain is not a factor.  His philosophy was that football provided one of the greatest training grounds available for life, self-discipline, team discipline and Christianity.”

Cam Prock thanked the city of Searcy, Harding University and West Side for their support of his family.

The hearse made a stop a First Security Stadium on the way to the gravesite.  A banner held by former football players said, “Farewell Coach Prock.”

Everyone was invited to the Prock's home because of their tradition of hospitality throughout the years at Homecoming. The ripple effect of Coach Prock's life continues through his family and to all those football players who are coaching or just being Godly men, and to the rest of us who are inspired by John and Charlene's love perseverance.  In the game of life, Coach Prock is undefeated. He has fought the fight and claimed the victory in Jesus. He will be missed, but never forgotten.