FRED CHARLES BRUNK
1940-2020
Fred Charles Brunk passed away at the age of 79 on July 24th, 2020 after a long battle with Alzheimer’s. He is now in a better place. Fred, was born on October 1, 1940 in
St. Louis, Missouri to Frederick Charles Brunk, Sr. and Katherine Fleischer Brunk. He grew up in many cities, but considered Charlotte, North Carolina home, where he attended high school. He attended North Carolina
State University and served in the United States Army.
Fred was affectionately and respectfully known as “The Captain” by friends and family. This title was given to him because he was always a decision maker and a man of action. He considered marrying Judy as his best accomplishment and wisest decision in life. They were married on June 2nd, 1978, and this partnership of two highly respected, loved, and accomplished individuals continued for 42 years.
Fred and Judy were lovingly referred to as “Aunt Judy” and “Uncle Fred” by their many nieces and nephews as well as by the children of friends. They filled these roles with love and support.
Fred moved to Houston in 1961. He was a salesman by nature, and joined Thomas A. Read Co. in Houston, Texas. He bought the business in 1986, and operated Houston
Center Valve and Fitting like he operated his life, with honesty and integrity. He was always concerned with other’s needs, and his version of a contract was frequently written on a yellow legal pad with a Number 2 pencil. He sold the very successful business in 2006.
The best things about
Fred cannot be put into writing. There are so many different words that could be used to describe him. He was delightful and filled up any room that he entered. Fred’s sense of humor was amazing, he loved making people laugh and had a joke for every situation. Many of the jokes were told with an accent, and one of his most famous impersonations was the French Chef who was on their answering machine. If you had the opportunity to hear one of those messages, you will never forget it.
Fred was an athlete, playing football while in the Army as well as being an accomplished golfer. He was competitive with others as well as with himself and was always striving to improve. He loved sports not only for the sport, but because of the lessons of perseverance, patience, hard work, diligence and teamwork that could be learned. Fred was very involved in youth sports and was instrumental in organizing clinics in Houston to showcase the talents of young athletes including Lebron James.
Fred set a great example of how to succeed in life. He was kind, truthful, passionate, and he made a good impression on anyone that he met. He was involved in charities and programs of the First Presbyterian Church of Houston, which included the Nehemiah Center where he tutored at-risk children and adolescents. He believed in hard work, but was always willing to help out those in need, or those needing encouragement.
Fred’s personality fit his stature. He was always willing to share advice on where to eat, what to order, and anything else that needed direction. He and Judy enjoyed traveling all over the world during their time together. They also enjoyed spending time with their extended family, friends, and the “Boomer” Sunday School class at First Presbyterian.
Fred was preceded in death by his father, Fred and his mother, Kay.
He is survived by his wife Judy, his sister Jackie Brunk McClary, her husband Bruce, his twin brothers, William “Bill” Brunk, and his wife Sharyn, and Robert, “Bob” Brunk, his wife Rebecca, as well as many nieces, nephews, grandnieces and grandnephews.
A memorial service to honor Fred’s life will be held on Saturday, July 24 at 2:00pm at First Presbyterian Church, 5300 Main Street, Houston.
The family asks that in lieu of flowers you consider giving a gift in honor of Fred to the Alzheimer’s Association or to Amazing Place in Houston.