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Texas Christian University University of Houston

Bragg Stockton Obituary

BRAGG STOCKTON, former head baseball coach at the University of Houston, Texas Christian, San Jacinto College and Jones High School, died suddenly at his home in Pasadena on Tuesday. He was 64. Stockton experienced chest pains early Tuesday afternoon following his normal workout and died about 2 p.m. He is survived by his wife, Judy; daughters, Rebecca Lea and husband Russell, Rachelle Maraffa and husband Mike, Rosey Fortenberry and husband Clint; son, Russell Stockton and wife Linda, as well as 12 grandchildren. Also surviving him are his mother, Fay Stockton, sister Rebecca Sue Gilmer, and brother, Farrar Stockton. Stockton began his coaching career at Jones High School (1965-69) where his teams won four straight district titles and were 97-37. As head coach at San Jacinto College (1970-80), his teams won eight conference championships, five Region 14 titles and went to three national Junior College World Series. They had a 424-112 record, and Stockton won three District Junior College Coach of the Year awards, then worked as a UH assistant from 1981-83. Hired as TCU head coach in 1984, Stockton directed the Horned Frogs to a 91-68 record in his three seasons. As a head coach, his teams at Jones High, San Jacinto, TCU and UH won 895 games. Stockton's Skills and Drills summer camps in the Houston and Dallas-Fort Worth areas are credited with teaching baseball fundamentals to an estimated 10,000 youngsters. Stockton wrote three books, including Coaching Baseball, Skills and Drills, and was an instructor at the American Baseball Coaches Association, Texas High Baseball Coaches Association, and the Louisiana Baseball Coaches Convention. The family will receive guests Thursday, January 23, 2003 from 4-8 p.m. at Grand View Funeral Home. Funeral Services will be held at First Methodist Church of Pasadena at 10 a.m. Friday, January 24, 2002. Interment will be at Smith Cemetery near Waxahachie.

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Published by Houston Chronicle on Jan. 23, 2003.

Memories and Condolences
for Bragg Stockton

35 Entries

Jessie Craig

May 20, 2025

I met Coach Stockton at a youth baseball clinic my Dad signed me up for! I was in little League baseball at the time. The clinic was held weekly at San Jacinto College in Pasadena. I learned so many tips and tricks that made my baseball skills even better than they were. I used the things he taught me to better my skills as a baseball player. I´m thinking of writing a book to share what I learned and how it could improve other young ball players baseball skills. This experience not only made me a better baseball player but gave me so much confidence that I felt invincible on the field! I became a better hitter, better fielder and overall a better sportsman. I learned to respect my team mates, coaches and my opponents. He will be surely missed!

Jim Martin

February 28, 2021

I met Coach Stockton in '79 briefly, and sensed the entire visit how at peace he was with whatever God brought his way each day. He brought a national powerhouse San Jac squad to Temple my freshman year ('75), and they took part in one of the 3 greatest JUCO games ever played, lasting 15 innings. May all who mourn his loss take our glorious God's offer of matchless grace and peace............Matthew 11:28 - 30.

Judy Ross McNeely

January 24, 2003

Please accept my sincere sympathy to each of you in the Stockton family. What an influence your son, husband, and father made on the lives of so many. His smile was contagious, and his love, encouragement, and concern was always felt. I was just one of the many students who went to Hartman Jr. High and Jesse H. Jones High School during the time Coach Stockton coached at these schools. We all feel this loss very deeply, but we remember the wonderful coach and teacher who lived and left us such a Christian example. Thank you for sharing him with all of us.

Always, Judy Ross McNeely (JHJ Class of '66) (one of the Ross twins)

Kelli Strickland

January 24, 2003

I am sorry to hear that we have lost Mr. Stockton. He was a great influence on my husband, Mike Strickland and through Mike, to my son, Collin. I am sure there will be generations of men in our family whose lives will be different because Bragg took the time and care to inspire Mike. Bragg created a legacy.

John Evans

January 24, 2003

Dear Mrs. Stockton:

Please except our family's heartfelt sympathies.

I was crushed after hearing the news today.

Your husband touched our lives in such a way we can never forget.

Patrick will be devistated when he hears about this. It is because of Dr. Stockton that Patrick plays all sports at the level he does.

Our prayers are with you and the family.

Benny Mota

January 24, 2003

Dear Stockton Family,

My prayers are with you during this grieving and painful moment. It's been an honor knowing coach Stockton and privilege to have been one of many fortunate people nurtured under his umbrella of influence. Coach Stockton offered me a chance to play at UofH in 1983 and I will be forever grateful for that opportunity.

His strong faith and commitment to helping others truly defined his character. Bragg Stockton will be deeply missed.

Sincerely,

Benny Mota

Coog '83 to '85

Ray Suarez

January 24, 2003

I attended the Houston Baptist baseball camp this past summer in Houston. Throughout the camp Coach was impressed by my skills and asked “where you are from son”. I answered, “Del Rio, Sir”. From then on I was known to all the campers and coaches as Del Rio. At the end of the camp I shock all the coaches’ hands and the last coach was Coach Stockton. He said, “You have good skills Del Rio and you are going to be a heck of a ballplayer. Keep in touch”. I wanted to call everyday but my Mom didn’t let me. I called coach once a month and in Jan. he told me about a camp in Kingsville. He said, “Del Rio I want you to go to Kingsville to see the University and to meet my son”. It was held on Jan 18. We got to Kingsville Friday about 6 pm. and the A&M baseball team was working out. My parents and I stood by the centerfield fence to watch them workout. I told my dad, “maybe one of these days I will be there working out with the team”. My dad said, “It could happen son”. In the morning I was ready for the camp and could not wait to see Coach Stockton. We waited in the parking lot and soon coach arrives in his shinny red dully truck. I went to say hi to coach and as soon as he saw me he said, “Hi Del Rio, how have you been”. He told the other coach with him, “this is Del Rio and he is the only one that calls me”. During the camp coach would ask me to demonstrate different drills. He would say, “Del Rio show them how it is done”. At the end of the camp I shock his hand for the last time and he said, “Del Rio you are going to be a great ballplayer. Keep doing the drills so you can have the skill. Keep in touch Del Rio”. I am glade that I attended the camp in Kingsville because he wanted me to be there. I was very fortunate that I had the opportunity to shake and hug Coach Stockton for the last time.

Even though I only knew Coach Stockton for a week and one day it seems like a lifetime. I will always remember Coach Stockton. He has influenced my life in a positive way. Thanks for the wonderful memories and for making me a better person. There will always be a place in my heart for you.

The lord just called on the best baseball Coach to teach his kids in heaven some Skills and Drills. I am sure one of this days I will attend another Coach Stockton, master of instruction, baseball skills and drills camp.

SKILLS AND DRILLS FOREVER

Heroes will be remembered but legends are never forgotten

I will always keep in touch Coach.

“Del Rio”

Ray Suarez

HCR 3 Box 15

Del Rio, Texas 78840

Charla & Fred Crisler

January 24, 2003

Dear Judy & Family,

We were saddened to read of Bragg's death in the Dallas Morning News. You were wonderful neighbors and examples for us. Know that our prayers are with you as we ask God to hold you in his loving arms, and provide you the comfort and peace that only He can give.

Brent Barker

January 24, 2003

Just wanted to extend my best wishes to Russell and Mrs. Judy Stockton. Bragg has influenced so many lives including mine. He will be missed.

Carolyn Bickle

January 24, 2003

To the Stockton family:

Our deepest sympathy from Highlands Little League, Highlands, TX.

John Magee

January 24, 2003

Judy Stockton and Family,

I coached Baseball at Milby H.S. when Bragg was at Jones H.S. He inspired me to be the best I could be. I used Bragg as an example to follow and as an individule willing to share his wealth of knowledge, I am truly greatful.

The prayers of our Baseball Community are with you and your family during this time of grief.

John Magee

Former Coach Milby H.S.

1966 - 1980

Gary Lucius

January 24, 2003

Mrs. Stockton;

I am deeply sorry to hear about Coach Stockton. He was a fine man. I truly appreciated his help in trying to get my baseball program going in Fairfield. He will be greatly missed.

Sincerely

Gary Lucius

Pat Deckert

January 24, 2003

Dear Judy, Rebecca, Rachelle, Rosey and Russell,

All those years ago at Deer Park UMC, I admired your lovely family. I am deeply saddened to hear of Bragg's sudden death. I think of you all often with thoughts about the influence of his life, but also yours as a Christian family. At least once a week I pass Stockton Drive into the stadium at Rice and I never fail to wonder, "Could that possibly be named for Bragg?" My best to you all as you miss that beautiful smile and all that is behind it, Pat

Dean Shearer

January 23, 2003

Coach Stockton was a student of the game and a true ambassador for baseball. You could tell he loved the game and loved teaching young peolpe. My son was lucky to have the opportunity to work one-on-one with Coach Stockton from time to time and the fundamentals that he learned helped him improve so much. I was always impressed with Coach Stockton's energy, positive outlook and love of the game. He will be truly missed, but his legacy will live on -- not only with his former players who have gone on to play in the pros or coach, but also in all those youngsters with whom he shared his passion for baseball and for life. Our prayers go out to Judy and the family.

RICHARD VALLOT

January 23, 2003

DEAR STOCKTON FAMILY,

I WOULD LIKE TO OFFER MY CONDOLENCES ON THE LOSS OF BRAGG. I PLAYED FOR BRAGG IN 1975-1976, HE HAD A PROFOUND IMPACT ON MY LIFE. NOT ONLY DID HE TEACH ME THE CORRECT APPROACH TO BASEBALL, BUT MORE IMPORTANTLY HE PREPARED ME FOR LIFE AFTER BASEBALL. WHEN I LEFT SAN JAC I HAD SUCH A GREAT RESPECT FOR BRAGG AND IF SOMEONE ASKED I WAS ALWAYS PROUD TO SAY THAT I HAD THE PRIVELEDGE OF PLAYING FOR COACH STOCKTON. ALL THE HOURS I SPENT ON THE FIELD WITH HIM THOSE 2 YEARS MAKE UP MOST OF THE BEST MEMORIES I HAVE. I LOST MY MOTHER THE DAY AFTER THANKSGIVING SO I KNOW THIS IS NOT AN EASY TIME FOR YOU. BRAGG WAS A WONDERFULL MAN AND HE WILL BE MISSED, I WILL CHERISH THE MEMORIES I HAVE OF HIM AND I KNOW YOU WILL TO. YOUR FAMILY WILL BE IN MY PRAYERS, GOD BLESS.

RICK VALLOT

Greg Lucas

January 23, 2003

Dr. Bragg as we called him was a treat to work with during the years college baseball (both at TCU and UH) was frequently televised on the old HSE. My various partners and I on the telecasts always enjoyed talking with Bragg and picking his very full baseball brain. He will be missed by all of those who shared his love for baseball.

Chris Almendarez

January 23, 2003

To the Stockton Family,

I never had the opportunity to play for Coach Stockton, but played for U of H during the 1994-1995 season. I did have the pleasure to coach with him as one of his instructors for his Skills and Drills camps for many summers. Our prayers and thoughts are with you at this time. Not a day goes by that I don't think of coach when I teach my son and my team the skills and drills that we taught during his camps. He was a great teacher of the game of baseball! He will be missed by many. I am a better person for have the opportunity to know Coach Stockton.

God Bless!!

Chris, Jana, Chase and Luke Almendarez

alan leatherwood

January 23, 2003

I would like to send my deepest sympathies to Russel and the family. Your dad was truly a great man whose influence and legacy will live on for many years. I pray that God will grant the "peace that passes understanding" during your time of loss.

Alan Leatherwood

Dan Barker

January 23, 2003

Our deepest sympathies...

Dan Barker and Family

Jodie Ross Wurzbach

January 23, 2003

The Stockton family,

I went to Jones High School when Coach Stockton was there. He was always so positive and encouraging.

My prayers are with you and your family.

Jodie Ross Wurzbach

(one of the Ross twins)

Jessica Metreyeon

January 23, 2003

Dear Judy,

I remember my first encounter with you and Coach. It was last summer, and my son Waylon was 6. He was very discouraged about being so far behind the other boys he was playing baseball with. Coach Stockton spoke to him and motivated him in a way I'd never seen. All of the positive words and reassurance really made us believe in Coach, and his methods of teaching. I was so proud of the progress that he made in that one week, and even more proud to say that it was in thanks to Coach Stockton. Please accept our heartfelt sympathy, and may The Lord help you through your time of sorrow.

Mary McClain

January 23, 2003

Judy & Family,

Our sincerest sympathy at the loss of your dear husband and father. This was such a shock when we heard. Bragg was one of the most physically fit individuals that I ever met and to think of him having a heart attack is hard to believe.

My husband, Mark, played for Bragg at San Jac during the 1974 & 1975 seasons. 1974 was one of the Junior College World Series years. Mark and I both have some great memories of those times spent with the team and Stockton family. Bragg always set the highest of standards for his players and had a profound impact on Mark's life and career choice. Mark has had the pleasure of staying in touch with Bragg over the years through the coaching profession and has always admired him greatly. Our son, David, was able to attend one of Bragg's camps a few years ago and we were thrilled that he had the opportunity to get to know him also.

Bragg's presence will be missed greatly in the baseball community, but most of all to those who loved him. May God bless you with peace and many happy memories.

Our love,

Mark & Mary McClain

Jeannie Wood

January 23, 2003

To the Stockton family: Please know that you are in my family's prayers. I'm sure Bragg is already rustling up a baseball team in Heaven!

Mike Robinson

January 23, 2003

Mrs. Stockton and family

I played for Bragg's first team at the North Campus of San Jac in 1977 and 1978. He changed my life and remains an inspiration to me after 25 years. I know your loss is great but please take solace in the fact that Bragg led his life to the max and his legacy is one you can always be proud of. He was a man of great principle and a coach who cared about his players.

Thank you for sharing him with us for so many years.

Kitty Inman

January 23, 2003

Dear Stockton Family,

I would like to express my sincere sympathy to the entire family. My grandson, Chris Inman, is currently playing baseball for Russell in Kingsville. Bragg has had such a profound influence on Chris' life in every way possible. I will be forever grateful for everything he has instilled in him. Most of his career choices have been because of Bragg and he will carry his legacy for the rest of his life. You and your family are in my prayers.

Kitty Inman

Don Spivey

January 23, 2003

Coach Stockton was not only a great coach but a great father,friend, and Christian. He has touched many peoples life's in ways he may never have realized. Thanks Coach.

Mike Strickland

January 23, 2003

I was on Bragg's first team at San Jacinto. I had hurt my arm the summer after my senior year in high school, and wasn't throwing with nearly the speed as before. But I went to San Jac anyway, and with Bragg's encouragement and "motivation", developed some new pitches and made the team. I only saw him a few times over the last 32 years, but he was always happy to talk to me and was genuinely interested in my life and family.

God bless his family and friends. We will all miss him.

Fred & Joan Nuesch

January 23, 2003

Joan and I extend our deepest sympathy to the Stockton family. Coach Stockton was a great man and may knowing he was so good and helpful to so many comfort each of you in this time of sorrow.

Peggy Boyd

January 23, 2003

We will greatly miss Coach Stockton. My son, Joey, attended his summer camps at the University, where he learned a great deal from him. Not only did Coach Stockton teach him many skills, he instilled a greater desire to succeed in all areas of his life. He has always been an inspiration and will be greatly missed. But, he will live on in our hearts.

Robin Blomstrom

January 23, 2003

Dear Judy and family,

I want to extend to you my sincerest condolences. I was extremely shocked and hurt to hear of your loss. Coach was such a dear friend to Tiger and I will never forget the relationship they had and how much he helped Tiger through the years with baseball camps and such. You will all be in my thoughts and prayers.

Robin Blomstrom and family

Matt Mattingly

January 23, 2003

I would like to express the greatest regards to the Stockton family. "Coach" has influenced many lives at Katy National LL. Coach Stockton will be greatly missed. His love for the game of baseball and his enthusiasm for teaching kids and adults was unsurpassed. There never was a better role model for kids anywhere.

Thanks for your time in my life.

Mel and Bill Griffin

January 23, 2003

We are extremely saddened to learn of the death of Coach Stockton. Bragg was a fierce competitor on the field, but he was also a compassionate and caring individual. When our daughter, Ginger, was diagnosed with a terminal illness in 1975, Bragg was the first person to call and express concern and sadness for our family.

We will always remember him for his thoughtfulness and genuine expressions of concern. He influenced so many young athletes and gave them the motivation to stay in college and be successful.

Our hearts are with the family during this difficult time. We Care.

Bill and Mel Griffin

Randy Koctar

January 23, 2003

I would like you to know about one of the guys that Bragg had an influence on that was never a great ball player. My freshman year at San Jac, I was working hard to make the team, and found at mid-semester that my grades were less than exemplary. I decided to leave the team to concentrate on my studies. Coach listened to me and got up from his chair and came over and shook my hand and congratulated me for my decision that he knew had to be hard because of my great love of the game. He also talked to my dad about the decision and told my dad that he should be proud of his son for wanting to focus on his studies. After that day Coach always asked how my life was going, even long after graduation. That is how he influenced my life in a positive way. My condolences to the family during this time and may God hold all in his loving arms.

Ronnie Liggett

January 23, 2003

Judy, Russell & Family - Please accept my sincerest sympathies. Coach had a truly profound and positive impact on my life and career path. He was a special person whom I will greatly miss.

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