CLEARWATER, Fla. — Hall of Fame boxing trainer Angelo Dundee was remembered Friday as a master motivator and a man who left a legacy of kindness that was just as impressive as what he accomplished in the ring molding a record 15 world champions, including Muhammad Ali.

“If you only knew him as a trainer, you missed out on something pretty special,” the Rev. Stephen King said, beginning the funeral service Friday for Dundee, who died last week at the age of 90.

Ali was among about 600 people who paid final respects at the Countryside Christian Center. The self-proclaimed “Greatest” wore a black suit and sunglasses and sat in front of the casket and a stage lined with flowers, pictures, paintings, and a pair of red boxing gloves sitting on a stool.

Ali’s wife, Lonnie, spoke during the service on behalf of her husband, who has Parkinson’s disease.

“He used to call us all the time and say it doesn’t cost nothing to be nice. ... It was like his mantra,” she said. “Whenever we saw Angelo there was a smile of his face. He was always a happy guy.”

“You can’t call too many men sweet. Angelo Dundee was a sweet man,” added former NFL player Ian Beckles, who co-hosts a local radio show and became friends with the legendary trainer after Dundee moved to Tampa.