James Terry Brumley, age 72, died March 28, 2023, after a brief illness and hospitalization. Terry peacefully passed from this Earth after living a life that inspired countless others over the years through his Christian example as a loving husband, father, grandfather, and a long time baseball and football coach. He was born on May 27, 1950, in Searcy, Arkansas, to the late James “Bill” and Jacqueline Wheeler Brumley and has lived in Searcy (AR), Shannon, Aberdeen, West Point, Tupelo, and Columbus, MS. He was a graduate of S.D. Lee High School in Columbus and Harding College with a degree in history and physical education. Terry was the former operator of Brumley Sporting Goods, where he treasured his time working with his father, who founded the business in 1975. He also owned two businesses, including Columbus Mat Company and Bush’s Service Center, having most recently retired from Trim Joist in 2021. Terry is well known by numerous former high school athletes who he coached at either West Point High School or Tupelo High School where he also taught history and driver’s education. During his coaching career, Terry helped design the baseball field where Tupelo High School still plays. He served as assistant scout master of Troop 3 in Columbus, where he inspired and mentored many young men to become Eagle Scouts, one of whom was his son, Jamey. Terry was well known for filling an entire room with his presence that brought about laughter, a deep inward joy, and a spirit of love and encouragement with his vibrant personality. He was an active member of Caledonia Church of Christ.
Terry was preceded in death by his brother, Dr. Michael Allen Brumley, of Laurel, MS. He is survived by his wife, Ellen Potter Brumley, who he treasured and adored in marriage for 52 years; a son, James “Jamey” Terry Brumley II (Angelee) of Fairview, TX; a daughter, Mary Ellen Brumley of Searcy, AR; a brother, Jo Reed (Tracy) of Scottsboro, AL; and two sisters-in-law, Lizbeth Brumley Hawkins (Caley) of Little Rock, AR, and Alice Potter Starling of Tupelo, MS. In addition, he is survived by three grandchildren, Brantley, Ella, and Beau Brumley, and a host of nephews, nieces, great-nephews, and great-nieces, many of whom looked to Terry as a father figure for many years. His beloved nieces and nephews include Brandon (Jessica) Brumley, Brodie (Lyndal) Brumley, Dr. William Brumley, Maura (Nick) Amodeo, Bonnie (Blair) Edwards, Alicia (Robert) Crosswhite, Amie (Dr. Matthew) Brust, and Angie (Dr. Brad) Crosswhite. Terry was blessed to be surrounded by a large group of neighbors and friends who he considered to be family, and he cherished many friendships made during his years of playing on Davis Meats and Bryan Softball teams. There is no doubt that he was a blessing to so many others who had the fortunate opportunity to know him.
Visitation will be Saturday, April 1, 2023, from 1:00-3:00 p.m. and will be followed by a memorial service at 3:00 p.m. at the Caledonia Church of Christ. Holland Funeral Directors-Tupelo is honored to be serving the family at this time. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made in his honor to either of the following: Wyldewood Christian Camp, PO Box 1255, Searcy, AR 72145 or Harding University International Student Fund, Advancement Office HU 12238, Searcy, AR 72149-5615.
Condolences may be e mailed to hollandfuneraldirectors@comcast.net
