Melvin Thomas "Tommy" Runnels

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

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!...

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...

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...

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.

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

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

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