Longtime Houston deacon, SBTC trustee John Brunson dies

John Soles Brunson, a lifelong Houstonian and committed Southern Baptist, died April 8. He was 82.

Born in Houston, Texas, Brunson completed his undergraduate work at Baylor University in 1956 and later received a Doctor of Jurisprudence from Baylor College of Law in 1958. He practiced law professionally for more than 30 years and continued to provide legal wisdom and guidance to countless individuals and organizations following retirement.

Brunson was a member of Houston’s First Baptist Church (HFBC) for more than 75 years. At HFBC, where he also met his wife, Joan, Brunson served as chairman of deacons, sang in the choir, chaperoned youth trips and served in countless leadership roles. He taught Sunday school for roughly 60 years in the college and newlywed departments and, most recently, in the Cornerstone Class. In addition, he was called upon regularly to provide wisdom and discernment in difficult situations or whenever a need arose.

Dedicating much of his time and energy to Christian education and missional efforts, Brunson was a member of the board of trustees at Southwestern Seminary for the past eight years. He was a member of the executive board of the Southern Baptists of Texas Convention from 2003-2011, serving as vice chairman from 2007-2009. In addition, he was a trustee of Houston Christian High School for 12 years, where he remained trustee emeritus until his death.

The beloved patriarch of his family, Brunson shared his love of the Lord and Scripture with his children, grandchildren and anyone else who would listen. Sunday lunches were filled with his stories of family, history and theology.

Brunson is survived by his wife of 62 years, Joan; two children; four grandchildren; and two great-grandchildren. His family says Brunson will be most remembered for his gift of wisdom, brilliant mind, sense of humor and hearty laugh.