JOHN L. “JOHNNY” BLUDWORTH
July 9, 1943 - May 15, 2022
John L. “Johnny” Bludworth, III was born on July 9, 1943, in Houston, Texas. Johnny passed away peacefully at his home in Hockley, Texas, on May 15, 2022, with his wife of 43 years, Karla Bludworth by his side as well as his children. John was preceded in death by his father John L. “Jay” Bludworth, II and mother Georgia Bludworth, and his stepson Robert “Bob” Duensing.
Johnny spent his life carrying on the legacy of his father and his father before him in the boat building and repair business owning and operating successful shipyards along the Texas Gulf Coast. He started in 1955 when he began working summers for his dad and uncles as a helper at Bludworth Shipyard in Houston, Texas. He went on to start John Bludworth Marine, Inc., in Pasadena, Texas, in 1975. He also helped his dad start a shipyard in Corpus Christi, Texas, and eventually purchased the yard in 1989. The Corpus Christi yard, now John Bludworth Shipyard, LLC, is still running strong today.
Johnny is highly respected in the marine industry for his excellence in design, construction and quality craftmanship of marine vessels. Many of these vessels are operating today and will continue to operate well into the future. After selling his Pasadena and Galveston shipyards, he retired for a short time until he co-founded Republic Barge Transportation Company in 2001. He then sold this successful business a few short years later and retired again. He went on to invest in many business ventures including being the Organizer and Director of The Right Bank for Texas N.A. in 2002.
Johnny had a passion for sailing and canoe racing. He won the Texas Junior Sailing Championship at age 17. He won both Men’s Texas Sailing Championships at age 22. This was the first time one individual had won all three state titles, as well as winning two in one year. He also had a passion for hunting and fishing and enjoyed both sports with family, friends and business associates throughout his lifetime. He most loved spending time with his wife enjoying their mutual passion for creating and maintaining a beautiful and immaculate homestead. Everything Johnny Bludworth embarked on had to be “first class and top notch”.
Survivors include his wife, Karla Bludworth, his sons Benny, Jason and Curtis Bludworth, his daughter Melanie Bludworth, his stepson Martin Duensing and his wife Angie, his grandchildren Taylor and Colby Bludworth and Alex and Lauren Duensing.
Funeral Services will be held Tuesday May 24, 2022 at 2:00 pm at Klein Funeral Home, 1400 West Main, Tomball, Texas, 77375. Burial will follow at Klein Memorial Park, 9714 FM 2920, Tomball, Texas. Visitation will be from 5-8 pm on Monday, May 23, at Klein Funeral Home. For additional information visit www.kleinfh.com.