Thomas Goolsby

Thomas Ray Goolsby, 65, of Brazoria, TX passed away on April 22 at home surrounded by his loving family.
Visitation will be held Thursday, April 25th at 1:00 pm followed by funeral services at 2:00 pm at the First Baptist Church of Brazoria with Brother Greg Smith officiating. Burial will be at Brazoria Cemetery.
Thomas was born in Freeport, TX to Jack Monroe (J.M.) and Jessie Frances Gameson Goolsby on November 23, 1953. Being the youngest of six children, he was known by his siblings to be the family favorite. He could usually be found pitching a ball somewhere, whether it be a baseball or a football. Come dinner time, he would always have to be tracked down by finding his bicycle with his dog, Blackie beside it.
Thomas graduated from Columbia High School in West Columbia, TX in 1972. As a sophomore he was part of the 1969 Texas State Finalist Roughneck football team. After high school, he continued his football career at Blinn College where his team was later inducted into the NJCAA Football Hall of Fame for a perfect season. This was an especially proud moment for Thomas and his family. At Blinn he was known by his teammates as "The Judge". Whenever his band of sophomores thought (someone or one of them) did something wrong (mostly made up offenses) they would hold "court." Rumor has it that Thomas would enter the dorm, when announced, wearing a house robe and house shoes. Thomas was always the judge presiding from a chair placed on top of a desk! He then continued his football and college days at Sam Houston State University where he graduated with a Bachelor's degree in Education. He held numerous coaching jobs at Cy-Fair, El Campo and Angleton High Schools.
Thomas married the love of his life Robin Maraye Kelley on June 19, 1982. He started his lifelong career at Brazoria Telephone Company (Btel) where he worked for 35 years. Shortly after, he began his favorite job as "Dad" and they had three wonderful children.
Thomas was a creature of habit and never missed an evening ride with his dogs (and sometimes his family). When he wasn't working his normal job, he kept himself busy helping others. He enjoyed keeping in touch with college alumni and tailgating before football games. He was always a devoted father and despite how old his children became, he always went above and beyond to make sure they had everything they needed and more.
He is survived by his wife of 37 years Robin; children, T. Ray and wife Erin, Trey, Kendra and Brooklyn (the grandpuppy); sisters, Martha McCreary and Betty Burrell; brothers; Bobby Goolsby, Kenneth Goolsby and wife Kathy; brother-in-law Albert Kelley and wife Patty; sister-in-law Rhonda Jackson and husband Scott; brother-in-law Derek Brzozowski and wife Carla; aunt, Dorothy Mullan and numerous nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.
Thomas was a loving husband and father, brother, friend, co-worker, coach, uncle, teammate but his most rewarding role was that of becoming "T-Paw" to his one and only granddaughter, Ava Maraye Goolsby, the light of his life.
He was preceded in death by his parents and grandparents, father and mother-in-law Murray Kelley & Julia Ann Kelley; Grandmother-in-law, Mary Kate Crowder; brother, Jimmy (the Governor) Goolsby; brothers-in-law Harold Burrell and Jimmy McCreary; nephew, Lloyd Burrell and niece, Terry Sue McCreary, and Nick (the first grandpuppy).
Serving as pallbearers are James McCreary, Jason Goolsby, Ken Goolsby, Wade Aucoin, Ryan Goolsby, Robby Goolsby and Colton Jackson
Honorary pallbearers are Thomas's Blinn College and Sam Houston State University football teammates.
The family would like to extend their heartfelt thanks to Dr. Robert Amato and wife, Sara, Dr. Ron Karni, Dr. Padma Draksharam, and the special nurses from A-Med Hospice.

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