Terry Brumley

COLUMBUS- 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 the Caledonia Church of Christ. Holland Funeral Directors is

honored to be serving the family at this time.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be in his honor to either of the following:

Wyldewood Christian Camp

PO Box 1255

Searcy, AR 72145

Harding University International Student Fund

Advancement Office

HU 12238

Searcy, AR 72149-5615