Wife Mary ‘blown away’ by support
They then entered the chapel to strains of “What a Wonderful World”.
Tommy, who also had 18 Scotland caps, had requested a humanist service and there was tears and laughter as the twice married father of two was remembered as the “life and soul of the party”.
Craig sounded close to tears as he told the congregation: “In the dressing room, Tam was popular and easy to get along with.
“His confidence helped create a positive atmosphere and whatever he took part in, he gave it 100 per cent.
“The last few years of his life have been tough. That once powerful frame began to weaken and Tam was eventually confined to his bed — a situation that such a strong athlete must have found very difficult to cope with.
“Yet as his strength waned, I never once heard him complain and frankly the way he dealt with whatever came his way was a lesson to us all.”
Tommy married wife Mary, 64, in 1986 after they met on holiday in Majorca. He wed first wife Anne in 1967 and they had two children, Karen and David.
He is also survived by a brother, David, and two sisters, Moira and Anna. Football figures from past and present were among 200 mourners including current Celtic manager Brendan Rodgers and chief executive Peter Lawwell. Rangers managing director Stewart Robertson and administration chief Andrew Dickson attended on behalf of the Ibrox club. Comedian and Celtic fan Tony Roper paid his respects, along with businessman Willie Haughey. A wreath of white flowers beside the coffin bore the emblem of the Lisbon Lions. Tommy Gemmell’s wife has thanked football fans and Celtic for their support in the wake of the Lisbon Lion’s death.
Mary, 64, ( below) was amazed at the turnout at Celtic Park as more than 1000 fans lined up to say farewell to the Craigneuk man.
Mary married Tommy 31 years ago and admits she was overwhelmed by the support.
She said: “It simply blew me away. Their thoughtfulness was awesome and touching.
“I knew that it was going to be an emotional send- off, but this was something else altogether. “It was so heart-warming. And when they began applauding and throwing scarves, I could just feel so much pride in realising how they felt about Tommy.” Mary also paid tribute to Celtic chief executive Peter Lawwell for his help before Tommy’s death on March 2. She said: “Tommy was taken into the Three Bridges care facility on the south side of Glasgow in December and that was instigated by Peter. “I really just can’t thank him enough.”