Melvin Thomas "Tommy" Runnels, 78, passed away Saturday, April 7, 2012, in Granbury. Funeral: 1:30 p.m. Friday in Greenwood Chapel. Interment: Greenwood Memorial Park. Visitation: 6 to 8 p.m. Thursday at Greenwood Funeral Home. Memorials: The family requests, in lieu of flowers, donations be made in Tommy's name to Texas Scottish Rite Hospital for Children, 2222 Welbourn, Dallas, Texas 75219. Born to Ollie Ann and Alvin Lee, Tommy was born at home on the north side of Fort Worth on Jan. 28, 1934, the eldest of five children. A great athlete, Tommy beat the odds and lived his dream, setting records at North Side High School, being inducted into the Football Hall of Fame at North Texas State University and playing NFL football with the LA Rams and the Washington Redskins. During his freshman year of college, he married his wife of 59 years, Karon Sue. He came back to Fort Worth where he coached at Heights, Eastern Hills, Polytechnic and OD Wyatt high schools, then ended his coaching career at Texas Christian University. After football, he worked in the construction industry. Retiring to Granbury, he and Karon moved to DeCordova Bend where he enjoyed the golf course daily. Survivors: A great husband, father, brother and Papa, our guardian angel leaves behind his loving wife, Karon Sue; brother, Dan Runnels and wife, Ann; sister, Mary Ann Henderson; children, Kay Bailey and husband, Joe, Sue Piel, Ron Runnels and wife, Christi; grandchildren, Ryan Piel and wife, Karrie, Breinn Richter and husband, Jake, and his namesake, Cody Thomas Piel; great-grandchildren, Baron and Bronco Richter and Hayden Thomas Piel; and numerous nieces and nephews.

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Published by Star-Telegram on Apr. 11, 2012.

Memories and Condolences
for Melvin Runnels

38 Entries

Andrew Taylor

May 27, 2012

Tommy, I am a better man to have known you.
Andrew Taylor

Louis Cunningham

April 30, 2012

I was one of Coach Runnels players at O.D. Wyatt from 1968-71. It is difficult to express how important he was during this impressionable stage of my life. We all loved Coach Runnels and would have done anything for him. Charismatic, humorous, natural leader, gentleman. These all come to mind when I think of him. He made a tremendous positive impact on my life. He believed in me when even I didn't, and made us feel like anything was possible. I can truthfully say Coach Runnels was my hero!
My condolences to the entire Runnels family.

Dennis Henderson

April 19, 2012

I just heard tonight that Coach Runnels passed away. I can truly say that he changed my life. I was a shy player my sophomore year at O.D. Wyatt, in 1968. Spring training that year I got in a fight with a player holding me and got tossed. Coach kneeled next to me and said, if I could control my temper, that I would be starting that fall. Later he told me to quit baseball and do some weight lifting as I had a chance for a scholarship. I did and Texas A&M offered me a chance but that is minor to the next thing. I met my future wife in my first class at TAMU and we married the next spring and we just celebrated our 40th wed anniversary on April 8. Three children and three grandkids........thanks Coach. He changed my life for the good. I will pray for your family.

John Ott

April 15, 2012

From my standpoint, Coach Runnels was the perfect combination of teacher and motivator. But beyond his obvious knowledge of X's and O's, Coach Runnels most enduring attribute was that he cared about his players. I may have forgotten many of the tips he provided me at TCU on how to catch a football(and he had many), but I will never -- ever --forget that he cared for me as a player and more importantly a person. Coach had "class" in everything he did and said. I miss him and my prayers and thoughts are with the family. Peace.

Jim Mayfield

April 15, 2012

I was fortunate enough to visit with Tommy a couple of years ago at a Railhead gathering of ex players and had agreat visit. His passing is a loss to us all. My prayers are with the family.

EDDIE & MOODY LYNN CAVE

April 14, 2012

PRAYING FOR THE WHOLE FAMILY
OF TOMMY RUNNELS ESPECIALLY FOR
KARON SUE & FAMILY PRAYING FOR
MARY ANN RUNNELS HENDERSON AND WOULD
LIKE TO HEAR FROM YOU, DEAR FRIEND.
LOVE IN JESUS
EDDIE & MOODY LYNN MCMURRAY CAVE

loma kiehn

April 14, 2012

What a wonderful man and great friend.
My father, Ken Gire ,thought the world of Tommy.
Karon Sue, you and your family have a special place in our hearts.
Love in Christ,
Loma Linda (Gire) Kiehn

April 13, 2012

My condolences to his family. He helped me a lot in running pass patterns and taught me how to extend myself to catch the difficult throws. Mike Harris, Class of '64 AHHS

Dennis Stanley

April 13, 2012

Coach Runnels went to bat for me and got me accepted into Tarleton State College. I will forever be looking up to him.

April 13, 2012

TO THE RUNNELS FAMILY,
I WAS ONE OF THOSE KIDS HE COACHED UP TO THE POINT THEY COULD PLAY WITH THE BIG BOYS. HE EVEN TAUGHT US HOW TO CARRY OURSELVES WITH A LITTLE SWAGGER. WHAT A NEAT EXPERIENCE HE LED US ALL THROUGH .WE AND OUR FAMILIES TOOK SUCH PRIDE IN WHAT WE ACCOMPLISHED TOGETHER. I AM SO GRATEFUL FOR HAVING KNOWN COACH RUNNELS . MY ONLY REGRET WILL BE I DID NOT KNOW HE WAS SICK AND DID NOT GET A CHANCE TO SHOW MY APPRECIATION.I HIT A FEW BUMPS FOR AWHILE AND I JUST KNOW SOME OF THAT CHARACTER HE INSTILLED IN ME CAME IN HANDY.
COACH WILL BE FINE , I AM SURE OF IT.
TAKE CARE,
BISHY
RUDY BISHOP

Rowe Miller

April 13, 2012

"Exemlary", A professional on and off the field. You made me who I am today. Gone but never forgotten."I love you Coach", you and your family will always be in my prayers.

EDDIE & MOODYLYNN CAVE

April 13, 2012

PRAYERS FOR THE LOVING FAMILY OF TOMMY RUNNELS ~ MAY GOD BLESS
THIS SWEET FAMILY AND KEEP YOU
HELD TIGHTLY TOGETHER WITH HIS
GRACE AND MERCY, GIVING YOU THE
SWEET PEACE THAT ONLY COMES FROM
KNOWING AND LOVING THE LORD JESUS.
PEACE & LOVE TO YOU ~
LOVE IN JESUS ~
MOODY LYNN MCMURRAY CAVE
AND EDDIE CAVE

Jodie Phillips

April 12, 2012

I am very sorry to hear of the loss of such an amazing man. I only knew Coach for a few months, but in just those few months- I have countless memories. Coach was a beautiful man on the inside and out.. He taught me so much. Coach, you will be greatly missed.

Rusty Young

April 12, 2012

So sorry to hear Tommys passing.. He was a great man and will be missed by many...

Theresa Tyler

April 12, 2012

Dan, Ann, Karen and Family:

Sorry to hear of your loss of Tommy. You're in our thoughts and prayers at this time.

May your memories bring you comfort.

Willard, Florine, Theresa Tyler

April 12, 2012

Karon, he's in heaven now with Bob. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
Love,
Pat Hardie Williams

Dede Terveen

April 12, 2012

Coach Windegger is correct in the fact that he was always referred to as coach.. I greatly admired my "Coach" and was the sole reason that I came to TCU. He would make our grinding two a days tolerable with that big greeting smile and chewed down cigar. I will miss him immensely and have many fond memories of him that I will hold on too till I see him again in heaven. Thanks "COACH" for making me a better person. De.

April 12, 2012

Family of Coach Runnels,

Deepest sympathy to you all. I remember when he won the shrine ring--although i knew nothing of the details, my father was a Shriner too and i always admired Coach Runnels. He was funny and so was I....so I admired him greatly. Jan Cardwell,
class of 1964

Frank Windegger

April 12, 2012

April 12, 2012

Tommy was one of the best.His coaching
at TCU was too short lived. The greatest compliment that a man can receive is to always be called "COACH" .And all of Tommy's ex-players always
referred to him that way with total respect.

Margie Weaver

April 12, 2012

It is with great sorrow to learn of Tommy's death. But there are many good memories that I hope will help in the days to come. My thoughts and prayers are with you at this difficult time.

Tom Wade

April 11, 2012

Really Sorry

Sherri Sledge Pulliam

April 11, 2012

Coach Runnels was a man of character and integrity, and he cared genuinely for each of his students. One of my favorite things about him was his great sense of humor! He will be greatly missed. My prayers go out to his family. Sherri Sledge Pulliam, EHHS'64

Dub Matson

April 11, 2012

Sad to hear of another good man gone.My sympathy for the entire family.

Nancy (Mrs. Tom D.) Harris

April 11, 2012

Dear Karen Sue and family,
Everyone who knew Tommy liked him. He was just that kind of guy .. good natured, friendly. He treated others with kindness and respect. I know this is a difficult time for you but your memories of Tommy will always hold an important place in your lives. The love you shared will keep him close forever. With sincere sympathy, Nancy Harris

John Mundy

April 11, 2012

Words can not express how sorry Martha and I were to here of Tommy's passing. We used to love to have Tommy and Karon come to San Antonio to visit and we were always taken back by his never ending jokes. Please take comfort in all the good times that you shared with Tommy.

Barbie Goodwin Davis

April 11, 2012

I am thinking if you all during this time of great loss. I have many fond memories in my heart.

Ronda Peppers

April 11, 2012

Tommy was one of the nicest and funniest men I ever met!! I can not think back on my childhood and not think of him our families were always so close! I'm sure Tommy is cracking God up right now! He will be truly missed! Prayers, good thoughts and wonderful memories sent to this very close and loving family!!

April 11, 2012

Many things I could say about this man who I thought so much of, but Gentleman comes to the front. Will miss him. God bless karen sue and the family in this time.
Dale Allen

Robert/ Popsicle Stewart

April 11, 2012

Coach meant so much to us during our time at Eastern Hills. I have many fond memories of your family, you are in our thoughts and prayers.

Dayton Atteberry

April 11, 2012

A loss of a family member and a family that I was blessed to have met some casually but one was like a brother to me,I am so sorry to learn that another great person has left his loved ones , yet only to join his Mom, Dad and Charlie.

Candi Cantrell Kynard

April 11, 2012

I am so sorry to hear about the passing of Coach Runnels. He was the best and always a gentleman. I never think back to my high school days without thinking of him. Know he will be missed by many. My prayers and thoughts are with his entire family. I am honored to have known him.

Nita (Roudon) Basham

April 11, 2012

So sorry to hear the news. Love and prayers to the whole family.

April 11, 2012

Coach Runnels was a wonderful man with a heart as big as Texas. Always willing to listen to you and always there to give you advice!!! God bless him and God be with his family during this time.
Rita-Kay Robinson (OD Wyatt Alumni)
Exuma, Bahamas

April 11, 2012

We are so saddened by your loss, and may God bless and comfort your precious family during this time of grief and sorrow.
Roger and Carey Penneman

Bob Levings

April 11, 2012

Coach Runnels was an excellent man. He knew how to teach, inspire, and lead. I will always remember the days I spent with him at Wyatt.

April 11, 2012

Oh, Dan, I can only imagine how very hard it is to loose a sibling. Please know you, Ann, and family are in my thoughts and prayers. Love, Deana

eddie lane

April 11, 2012

A excellent player,a good coach,but most important is a good man gone.

Showing 1 - 38 of 38 results