JOHN ROBERT BROCK
1947-2017
John Robert Brock, age 69, of Houston went peacefully to be with the Lord on Friday, the 9th of June 2017.
As a native Houstonian, Johnny was born on the 14th of August 1947, the son of Claire Cunningham Brock and Holly Miller Brock. He had one brother, James Henry “Jimmy” Brock. Johnny attended Poe Elementary, Lanier Middle School and Lamar High School. He graduated from the University of Texas with a BBA in accounting in 1969 and an MBA in 1970. He became a CPA in 1973. During his time at UT, he was a member of the ATO fraternity, a Texas Cowboy and a member of Goodfellows.
Early in life, Johnny lived and breathed sports, but his true passion was baseball. Johnny was a starter on the 1962 Pony League World Series National Championship team, and his career continued to Lamar High School and the University of Texas. After his playing days were over, his decades long coaching career began where he mentored kids of all ages including his daughters and even his grandchildren.
John married Jennifer Beery on the 19th of February 1977, at St. Anne’s Catholic Church in Houston. They had two children, Emily Brock Bailey and Molly Brock Harvin. He was especially devoted to his family, for which he always showed patience and affection.
John started his professional career in 1971 with Peat, Marwick, Mitchell & Co. From there he served in various executive roles with PaineWebber, the Houston Economic Development Council and Korn Ferry International. Later in life, he focused his talents on organizations that serve the Lord as the CFO of the Episcopal Diocese of Texas and Director of Development at St. Martin’s Episcopal Church. He served on the board of W H Energy Services and Talens Energy. He also served as chairman of the audit committee for the Spirit Golf Association.
Outside of work, Johnny was an avid golfer, baseball enthusiast and faithful servant of the Lord. His favorite memories include playing golf with his life-long friends at Houston Country Club and Whispering Pines, fishing with his girls, cheering on the Astros and eating Bluebell homemade vanilla ice cream with his four grandchildren. Johnny was also passionate about leading others to the Lord and led Bible studies all across the city of Houston including Bridges to Life, Amazing Places and St. Martin’s Episcopal Church.
Johnny is survived by his wife of 40 years Jennifer Beery Brock, their children Emily and Ted Bailey, Jr., and Molly and John Harvin; four much-adored grandchildren, Ellie and Will Bailey and Natalie and Eloise Harvin; and his dog Yogi. He was preceded in death by his parents Claire and Holly Brock and his brother Jimmy Brock. Johnny also leaves many beloved friends, all of whom he cared for deeply and to whom he is thankful for their love and support over the years.
Those serving as honorary pallbearers will be Currie Bechtol, Mike Dalton, Ralph Hull, David Price, Corby Robertson, Tommy Schillaci, and Charlie Talbert.
The memorial service will be conducted at two o’clock in the afternoon on Wednesday, the 14th of June, at St. Martin’s Episcopal Church, 717 Sage Road in Houston, where the Rev. Dr. Russell J. Levenson, Jr., Rector, and the Rev. R-J Heijmen, Senior Associate Rector, are to officiate. Immediately following, all are invited to greet the family during a reception to be held in the nearby Bagby Parish Hall. The family requests that guests wear the brightest colored tie to celebrate Johnny’s Life.
Prior to the memorial service, the family will have gathered for a private interment at Forest Park Lawndale Cemetery in Houston.
In lieu of customary remembrances, the family asks that memorial contributions in his name be directed toward Amazing Place Houston, 3735 Drexel Dr., Houston, TX 77027; or to St. Martin’s Episcopal Church, 717 Sage Rd., Houston, TX 77056.