On 7 February 2021, Coach Eddie Brister passed away at the age of 70.
Eddie Brister was born in Bonham, Texas on July 6th, 1950. Eddie attended and graduated from Leonard High School in 1968, where he was a multi-sport standout athlete. Eddie received a football scholarship to Austin College, where he graduated with a Bachelors Degree in Education in 1972. He would go on to earn a Masters Degree in Physical Education from East Texas State University in 1975.
Eddie met the love of his life, Roberta, at Leonard High School in 1966 and married her in 1972. Over their 48-year marriage Eddie and Roberta would touch the lives of countless people, leaving lasting impressions that will carry on for generations. Eddie enjoyed all aspects of outdoor life—fishing, hunting, hiking, running, and fellowship with friends around bonfires. It is literally impossible to find someone that Eddie could not strike up a conversation and friendship with. He was a member of the Texas Retired Teachers Association, the Texas High School Coaches Association, and the Lower Mountain Fork River Foundation.
Eddie touched many lives throughout his coaching career, spanning six different high schools and three colleges throughout Texas. Eddie coached at Howe High School, Allen High School, Lewisville High School, and became the head coach and athletic director of Electra High School in 1981. From 1982-1983, he served as the offensive coordinator at Sherman High School before moving to Fort Bend Willowridge High School where he would eventually become head coach and campus coordinator. During this time, he was named a Houston Top Three Coach by Metroplex Magazine, was a finalist for Houston Touchdown Coach of the Year and named District Coach of the Year. Eddie would go on to coach in the college ranks as the offensive coordinator of Stephen F. Austin State University, a defensive coordinator at Austin College, and as a head coach of Texas A&M University-Commerce. After retiring from football, Eddie and Roberta bought Beavers Bend Fly Shop, and have lived in Broken Bow, OK since 2012.
He is preceded in death by his parents, Gabe Eddie Brister, Vera Brister Atnip, and stepfather Charles Atnip and his mother and father in laws Modell Dunham and Jack Grogan. He is survived by his wife Roberta; his son Paul and daughter in law Krisha; son Aaron and his wife Kelley; his sister Nancy Zachary and her husband Ron; sister-in-law Lavonna Beene and her husband Jim; sister-in-law Jackie Evans; uncle Jackie Vaughn and wife Nita; several loved nephews nieces and cousins; and longtime family friend (considered a son) Zach Martin and his wife Ashley. Eddie’s charisma, passion, and light will carry on through his beloved grandkids, Jett, Kyla, Andrew, Kate, and Owen.
In lieu of flowers, Eddie requests donations be made to:
Patriot Anglers
509 Briaroaks Dr
Lake Dallas, TX 75065
www.patriot-anglers.com