Friends, family, and a grateful city gathered Monday morning at the Wortham Theater Center to honor the life and legacy of George Edward Foreman, the two-time Heavyweight Champion of the World, beloved preacher, entrepreneur, and Houston native who died last month at the age of 76.

The memorial, hosted by the Foreman family in partnership with Houston Mayor John Whitmire, was a deeply moving celebration that reflected Foreman’s spiritual strength, athletic greatness, and lasting community impact.

“George Foreman wasn’t just a champion in the ring—he was a champion for Houston and for the people he inspired through his journey from Fifth Ward to global fame,” Mayor Whitmire said during his remarks.

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The service began with a powerful rendition of the Lord’s Prayer by Angelo Ferrari, accompanied by a pianist. Pastor George Foreman IV, one of the boxing legend’s sons, delivered the opening prayer, setting the tone for a morning of reverence and remembrance.

The program featured tributes from respected community figures, including Dr. James Douglas, Dr. Adan Rios, and Craig Stripling, Esq., along with a special tribute from former boxing champion Michael Moorer. A video montage and stirring performances by the University of Houston choir, Dana Clark Green, Terence Fisher, and the Houston Symphony provided moments of reflection and celebration.

Due to limited capacity, the service was ticketed, but Houstonians and fans across the world were invited to tune in live via Houston Municipal Television’s website and mobile app.

In lieu of flowers, the Foreman family requested donations be made to the Church of the Lord Jesus Christ or The George Foreman Charitable Foundation, continuing the champion’s legacy of faith and service.

As the final notes of “Precious Lord” echoed through the theater, so too did the enduring impact of a man who fought for more than titles—he fought for his community, his family, and his faith.

Foreman may be gone, but as Monday’s memorial made clear: his legacy remains undefeated.