Dates
Johnny Lee Brunson, 88, died on September 4, 2021 at Sagecrest Tucker Unit at Baptist Memorial. On a day that commenced with sunshine and a beautiful blue sky, Johnny went peacefully after a 6 year journey through Alzheimer’s disease, concluding with a stroke. The months and days that preceded his passing were filled with song, as Johnny joyfully engaged the residents of Sagecrest with unending laughter and singing. His favorite songs, “You are my Sunshine” and the old hymns, must be filling the courts of heaven as he joins the Hallelujah Choir! The day prior to his jubilant journey, he enjoyed a final ice cream date with Patsy, his wife of 63 years. They enjoyed a drive through San Angelo, reminiscing, singing and telling stories (sometimes the same one a few times), with a favorite stop along the Concho River to watch the ducks and enjoy his favorite chocolate milkshake.
Johnny was born June 7, 1933, in O’Donnell, Texas to Allie B. and Neely Brunson and grew up in Norton, Bronte and Abilene, Texas. He was a life-long fan of football, baseball and golf. He was recruited in high school by his longtime friend and mentor, Michael Lehr, to play football at St. Joseph Academy in Abilene, Texas, where he excelled in sports, leadership and music. He was a captain on the football and basketball teams, class treasurer, choir, Glee Club President, and Senior Class Favorite. It was there that some of his greatest lessons found roots, as he referred throughout his lifetime to the example that was set by the Nuns, particularly Sister Amata and Sister Tarcisices.
He began working at an early age. A favorite job as a teenager was being a caddie at the Abilene Country Club golf course, where he became a skilled golfer. After graduation, he served in the Texas National Guard and in the U.S. Army for 3 years. He then worked for Dunigan Tool Company, while taking college courses at Ranger Junior College, earning an Associate Degree in Business. He completed his education at Hardin Simmons University in Abilene, earning a B.B.A. He married Patsy Ashmore in 1958 in Abilene, Texas and moved to San Angelo, where they have resided and raised 3 children.
Johnny found his calling in the career field of education, where he was an elementary physical education teacher and coach for 31 years. With students, he was gifted in building relationships paving the way to develop their potential, not just in athleticism but with self-confidence and self-esteem. Coach B. always had a talent for finding just the right event for every student that desired to participate in the longstanding tradition of The San Angelo Little Olympics, and his success was manifest in winning the overall event for John H. Regan for 25 straight years, and then additional years at Fannin Elementary. The true “win”, however was the enduring love and devotion he had for his students, and they for him long after they left elementary school. He wore many caps as a veteran teacher, but the most notable was his quality to make learning fun. His greatest coaching assignment came after retirement, however, when his favorite title went from “Coach B” to “Daddo,” at which point he became a teacher of all things sport and song to his beloved grandchildren.
Johnny is pre-deceased by his parents, his sister Lavonda Armour, sister Margie Faye Kropp, brother Charles Brunson and sister Bobbie Jo Parvin. He is survived by his wife, Patsy Ashmore Brunson of San Angelo; his daughter Julie Beth Vann (David) of San Angelo; his son John David Brunson of San Angelo; and James (Jay) Brent Brunson (Kelly) of Tuttle, Oklahoma. He is also survived by his five grandchildren, Philip William Vann of Amarillo, Texas; Mary Kate Vann of Lubbock, Texas; Kaylee Nikole Pollock (Cody) of Yukon, Oklahoma; Zachary Chanse Brunson of Tuttle, Oklahoma; Kallie Anne Brunson of Stillwater, Oklahoma; and great grandson Stratson Chanse Brunson of Tuttle Oklahoma. He is also survived by a sister, Iwanda Boyd (Roger) of Big Spring, Texas. Additionally, he is survived by numerous nieces and nephews, all of whom he adored and looked forward to seeing each year at his favorite gathering, The Brunson Family Reunion. It is through these special loved ones that the legacy of his joyful spirit of singing, joking and playing games will endure for generations to come.
There will be a viewing on Thursday, September 9th from 8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. at Harper Funeral home. A private graveside service with family will be held on Saturday. Family and friends can share online condolences at www.harper-funeralhome.com. Memorial gifts, in lieu of flowers, can be made to the Concho Valley Regional Foodbank, in memory of Johnny Brunson, at 1313 South Hill Street, San Angelo, Texas 76903 or to a charity of your choice.
The family would like to express our deep appreciation for the love and care given by the wonderful staff of the Sagecrest Tucker Unit at Baptist Memorial. We are forever grateful for the quality of life that Johnny experienced in Tucker/Baptist Memorial family of caregivers.
Viewing
Thursday, September 09, 2021
8:00AM - 5:00PM
Harper Funeral Home
2606 Southland Boulevard
San Angelo, TX 76904