B.E. "Sonny" Cleere, San Angelo Community Leader, Dead at 89

SAN ANGELO, TX – One of San Angelo's most beloved citizens, B.E. "Sonny" Cleere peacefully passed away in the hospital on Oct. 4, as confirmed the family. He was 89.

Cleere was known by the community for his service organizing charity events, such as the San Angelo Support for Veterans Hunt, Back the Badge, and the annual 4th of July pops concert and fireworks show. He was the announcer for games played at San Angelo Stadium for years, known as the "Voice of the Bobcats."

Cleere was a football star in college, playing on the national championship football team at Abilene Christian in 1950.  He was recognized as the San Angelo Citizen of the Year award, a very prestigious recognition by the San Angelo Chamber of Commerce, in 2003. 

Cleere was the head of a very successful insurance agency in San Angelo called Meadows, Fisher & Cleere Insurance. His friends said he never tried to sell anyone anything. "He'd say, 'People around me know what I do, and if they think I can be of assistance, they'll call me," said David Hirshfeld, a lifelong friend. His business was successful because of his strong work ethic. Friends related stories about how Cleere was always at the office at 4 a.m. ready for the day's work. The day before he died, he fell ill early in the early morning hours after arriving at work.

Here is Sonny Cleere's farewell as the Voice of the Bobcats from the 2019 San Angelo Central Football Season: