MOORESVILLE – Mooresville remembered a long-time high school, college, and pro football coach Tuesday.

A processional through downtown was held for Joe Popp, who died in his sleep last Thursday. The whole Mooresville High team flanked his hearst. Popp came to town in the late 1950's and led Mooresville to its first state championship in 1961. He went on to coach at North Carolina and Georgia Tech, and with the NFL's Cleveland Browns.

Mooresville High School named its football field after Popp, where he attended most Friday night games, talking football.

Popp leaves behind three children. He was 82.