JOHNNIE ROUNTREE

Rountree
Johnnie Rountree
This community has lost one of its' passionate sons, one of its' finest.
Johnnie Rountree, born July 11, 1933 in Chilton, Texas to Robert and Hattie Rountree passed away with his devoted sons at his side on July 4, 2011. A true day of celebration it was for Johnnie as he rejoined his beloved wife Kay in Heaven. Johnnie loved his Katie, and that is what he called her for 55 years.
Johnnie Rountree is survived by children, Lee Rountree; Greg Rountree and wife, Anne; Troy Rountree and wife, Kim; and daughter-in-law, Patty Rountree. Grandchildren Elyse Rountree; Alison Rountree McKinney and husband, Jacob; Amanda Rountree; and Tanner Rountree are also left to mourn.
Johnnie worked in the early days for Howard Funeral Home as a funeral director. He loved the work he did, loved riding the ambulance and loved to tell stories of those "good ole days".
Johnnie's legacy will be large and will be one of generosity, community pride and of family. Johnnie's legacy in this community really took off when he followed his dream and his passion in men's clothing. In 1958 he went to work for Rex Tailors -Downtown and later managed their Gulf Gate Mall store. Many an East End young man rented his Senior Prom Tux or purchased his first suit from Johnnie. In 1973, along with friend and business partner Herman Williams they opened Rountree -Williams Menswear. Johnnie was a clothes horse and loved looking "spiffy".
Outside of family and work Johnnie's passion was on the golf course, and was a long time member of Golfcrest Country Club. For many years the "Wednesday Birdie Game" was enjoyed by many of his friends.
From his boyhood days through graduation in 1955 from Galena Park High School, to his successful career in haberdashery at Rountree-Williams Men's Wear, Johnnie made many friends along the way and kept them for life. Friends who each stand as a living tribute to Johnnie's spirit.
He was proud of his Galena Park roots. Johnnie served on the GPISD School board for 35 years. He was instrumental in guiding the district through the desegregation of the '60s, integration issues of the '70s, and the challenges of school funding in the '80s and '90s. In 1997 he was awarded Top School Board Trustee of the Year by the Texas Classroom Teachers Association. Johnnie loved all things GPISD; high school football being at the top of his list. He enjoyed many games, no matter the weather, at Dement Stadium and the new GPISD Stadium; he loved talking about the Champion Galena Park Yellow Jackets of the 1960's and the Mighty North Shore Mustangs of recent years.
In 2006, Johnnie retired from the clothing industry, but not from service. He took on a new challenge and led the Galena Park ISD Education Foundation to great success. In fact, he completed his last fund raising event, a golf tournament held on June 9th, giving directions from his hospital bed. Johnnie was extremely proud for the opportunity to head up the Galena Park ISD Education Foundation and has been the driving force in the foundation, heading up the search for Distinguished Graduates and responsible for the fund raising necessary for its success that assisted many students and teaching programs.
If you desire, it was Johnnie's wish that remembrances may be flowers or a memorial gift to the Kay and Johnnie Rountree Scholarship Fund in care of the Galena Park ISD Education Foundation. Donations may be mailed to 14705 Woodforest Blvd. Houston, Texas 77015.
In the last few months, the owners and staff of both Seniors in Home Care and Buckner Hospice have done a remarkable job; counseling, caring and guiding the family thru the death of Kay and now Johnnie. The family wishes to thank them for their care.
The family will welcome visitors Friday Evening, July 8, 2011 from 5-8 PM at First Baptist Church of Pasadena 7500 Fairmont Pkwy in Pasadena, Texas.
Services will be at First Baptist Church of Pasadena 7500 Fairmont Parkway on Saturday July 9, 2011 at 10 AM. Dr. Charles Redmond will officiate. Eulogies will be delivered by son, Lee Rountree and dear friend Herman Williams and on behalf of the grandkids, Alison McKinney. Honored to serve as pallbearers will be Jeff Miller, Charlie Jones, Ricky Garland, Steve Hansen, Tanner Rountree, Jacob McKinney, Allen Findlay, and Ken Jones. Honorary Pallbearers are Dr. Gerald Cobb, Dr. Lloyd Ferguson, Ronald Christessen, Bobbie Wilcox, Bill McMillin and Bill Bailey.
Final Interment will be at Forest Park Lawndale Cemetery under the direction of Rosewood Funeral Home.
Words of comfort may be shared with the family at www.Rosewood.cc under Current Services