A ceremony was held on Friday, July 1, dedicating East Avenue, just west of McKinney Park on East Beech Street, to the late El Dorado native and former NFL player Rance Olison. A sign reading “This street is dedicated in honor of Rance ‘Sonnie’ Olison; Philanthropist, Community leader, coach and NFL player” will mark the dedication of the street in memory of Olison.

A ceremony at El Dorado City Hall featured remarks from several of Olison’s family members, including his son Rance W. Olison, Jr. “As a coach, he would never push me into something, but once I committed to it he’d always tell me I’d better give it 100 percent,” Olison, Jr. said. He also spoke of his father’s love for El Dorado. “I just wish he was here; I know he would’ve enjoyed this. I know he loved the city of El Dorado. From the time he was able to be blessed, he was ready to come and give back, Olison, Jr. said.

Several members of the last 1969 junior class of Washington High School, of which Olison was a member, were also present in support at the ceremony. Class member Janice Mc-Coy said Olison would also be missed by his former classmates. “The last reunion that I remember, he was over it,” McCoy said, eliciting laughter from the audience.

“He ran it, so we’re still trying to learn how to run it,” she added. It’s a well-deserved dedication. Rance loved his family, Rance loved El Dorado, but most importantly Rance loved God, and that’s what transitioned him to be able to do what he did. He cared more for others than he did for himself,” added class member Larry Ruffin. Olison graduated from El Dorado High School in 1970.