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Mickey Sullivan Obituary
Mickey was born Feb. 6, 1932, in Aransas Pass, to Effie and Alva Sullivan. He grew up in a very poor area of Houston and graduated from Sam Houston High School. His successes earned him a scholarship to play football at Baylor University, where his journey to becoming a Baylor legend began.
Mickey is best known for his achievements in athletics both as a player and coach. He lettered in both football and baseball during his time as a player at Baylor, and remains the University's only two-time All-American in baseball. He will forever hold the Southwest Conference's single-season batting average record, hitting .519 as a senior in 1954.
He was hired in 1974 as the head baseball coach for the Bears, where he led the team to two College World Series appearances and a 649-428 record. Mickey's successes led to his election to the Baylor Hall of Fame in 1983.
Although Mickey's athletic career led to much admiration and an unforgettable legacy, his close family and friends will remember him for his big heart and adoration for his wife, Marilyn. His two children will forever cherish his fatherly love; his six grandchildren will remember his playful nature; and all who know him will never forget his always-welcoming attitude and smile.
He was preceded in death by his parents; and two brothers, Randy and James Sullivan.
Mickey is survived by his wife, Marilyn; a son, Vince; a daughter, Tina and her husband, Loyal; a daughter-in-law, Michele; six grandchildren, Cameron, Carson, Beau, Jaxon, Layne and Michael; and lifelong friends, Mr. and Mrs. Bobby Benge, Jim and Clarene Chambers, and Mr. and Mrs. Ray Alborn.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Crestview Church of Christ Benevolence Fund or Baylor Baseball.
The family invites you to leave memories and messages at www.gracegardesnfh.com.
February 6, 1932 - March 22, 2012
Sign the Guest Book at www.wacotrib.com
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Mickey Sullivan
March 29, 2012
Mrs. Sullivan, Vicki's and my prayers are with you and your family. Coach was the epitomy of what a man and a gentleman should be.
Mike and Vicki Adams
Ron Patterson
March 27, 2012
Thank you Coach for giving me an opportunity to attend Baylor and play baseball. The life changing events that happened to me while at Baylor were part of God's great plan, thank you for allowing yourself to be used by him to have an impact on hundreds of young men, just like me. God bless you and your family.
Ron Patterson
Baseball 95-96
March 26, 2012
Coach Sullivan was a highlight of my athletic endeavors while growing up. I have thought of him often during the 4o years since he was my coach. I made an effort to say 'Hello' a couple of times when the Bears played the Horns at Disch-Faulk, and he always rememberd and had kind and encouraging words. My condolences to his family and friends. He was truly a great man and an inspiration to so many. RIP, Coach...
Versie Ortiz
March 25, 2012
Mrs. Sullivan was so sad to read about this you and your family will be in our prayers . I am the waitress from the Kettle Rest. where i was always glad to see you and Mr. Sullivan coming in and he would always ask about my son Justin. He is a coach now . It was a great priviledge to get to know yall though the years.
Earl Stinnett
March 24, 2012
To the Sullivan Family,
My thoughts and prayers go out to each of you. Mr. Sullivan was a great man. He will be truly missed. Hang on to all of those wonderful memories that God has blessed you with! Those memories will help you get through the tough times. May God bless each of you.
Shirley and Ed Swearer
March 24, 2012
Marilyn, we were truly sorry to hear of Mickey's illness and passing. Through the years we have thought of all of you many times and will keep you, Tina and Vince in our prayers.
March 24, 2012
It was such a priviledge and pleasure to serve as Mickey's Providence Hospice Team Chaplain. I will cherish the memories of our conversations, especially the day I gave Mickey one of my many St. Louis Cardinal caps. He put it on and smiled ear to ear. God's riches blessings for all of Mickey's family. Rev. Greg Knippa, Chplain - Providence Hospice.
Mike and Patty Severide
March 23, 2012
Mrs. Sullivan and Family, We were so sorry to hear of your loss. We had the
honor of meeting Coach Sullivan when our son, Sean Severide played baseball for Baylor. He gave our son an opportunity to play ball and was a great coach for him during his college years. With deepest sympathy, Mike and Patty Severide
March 23, 2012
My father (Frank Fallon) was good friends with Coach Sullivan, and always spoke highly of him with much warmth and affection. Coach Sullivan was not only a great coach, but also a great human being. Michael Fallon, Pflugerville, TX
Joe Whittington
March 23, 2012
The human race has lost a great one out of the lineup. I will never forget the entertaining conversations I had with Mickey and the two Rays -- Alborn and Knoblach --- in the coaches' office as a young sportswriter at the Houston Post when Mickey was head football coach at Bellaire High School.
March 23, 2012
Dearest Marilyn & family,
Mom & I were sadden to learn of Mickey's passing, but know that he is in a far better place. We can truly imagine the joyous reunion that Mickey and Dad shared. Please know that we are just a phone call away and you shall remain in our thoughts and prayers. Take care!
Gladys Willcox & Betsy W. Owen
March 23, 2012
It was an honor to play baseball for Baylor University and coach Sullivan. He taught me many things that I used on the field at the time and off the field ever since. Rest in peace Coach.
Don Dumas
Houston, Texas
March 23, 2012
i met coach sullivan more than 50 years ago at bellaire high school. and though i have not seen him for at least 40 years, i still remember what a terrific man he was. it is obvious that he lived the rest of his life with the same dignity he projected 50 years ago. elliott bossin, bellaire high school, class of 1962
Bill Pelham
March 23, 2012
Mickey was my golf coach at Bellaire HS. He was an even better football coach and led the Cardinals to the quarter finals in the State Championship. That has never been repeated. Three of the four members of our golf team went on to play the PGA Tour and we would have won State had we not been disqualified over an archane rule. Mickey always brought out the best in us and what more can you say for a coach. God Bless Mickey and his family. You will be in my prayers.
Lark Smith
March 23, 2012
Thank you Marilyn, Vince and Tina for sharing Mickey with the rest of us. I'm very greatfull for the doors he opened that allowed me to achieve several goals in my life. My prayers are with you and the rest of the family.
Shannon Gamlbe
March 23, 2012
Marilyn, Vince, Michele, Bo, Jaxon, Layne and family.....you all are in our thoughts and prayers. Mickey was such a precious soul with a smile that could light up a room. Love you guys!
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