Dr. James “Don” Bostic, of Brownwood, Texas, passed away suddenly and without suffering on May 1. He was 60 years old.
The oldest son of Frances and James Bostic, Sr., Don was born in Murfreesboro, Tennessee, and grew up in Louisville, Kentucky. After exceling in basketball at Ballard High School, Don earned a basketball scholarship to the University of Florida. Don received his undergraduate, master’s and doctoral degrees from UF. He loved his Lord, his family and his Florida Gators.
After beginning his career as a basketball coach for Vanderbilt University and the University of Tampa, Don transitioned to a career as a higher education administrator and executive. For the past six years he was the Executive Vice President of Ranger College, overseeing the branch campuses in Brownwood, Stephenville and Comanche. Prior to Ranger, he worked for Long Island University, El Paso Community College and Central Florida Community College.
Don is remembered by all who knew him for his tireless work ethic and his willingness to use every second of his spare time helping others. He was the chairman of the Brownwood Area Chamber of Commerce in 2012 and was named Brownwood Man of the Year in 2013. At the time of his passing he was serving on the Industrial Foundation Board of Directors and the Lehnis Railroad Museum Advisory Board. He also served as chairman of the Total Resources Campaign for the Chamber for the past several years.
In addition to his civic duties, he channeled his abundant energy and DIY talents into fixing anything that was broken, which included countless home renovation projects for his friends and church family. He was happiest when serving others.
Don is survived by his loving wife of 38 years, Debra Jo; his son Todd Bostic, daughter-in-law Erica, and grandson, Grayson; and daughter Jordan Grantham and son-in-law Scott. He is also survived by his brother Bill Bostic and sister-in-law Kim; stepfather John Womack and stepsisters Terry and Molly; cousin Mike Murphy and his wife Joy. Beyond his community in Brownwood, Don is remembered fondly by countless friends he made during his time living in Tampa, Florida; Ocala, Florida; El Paso, Texas; and Brooklyn, New York.
Don was a very actively involved member of the Southside Church community. He served as chairman of the finance team and donated his time to take care of the grounds. At the time of his passing he was working on a grant to finish some important building maintenance at the church. We would like to finish this task by collecting donations to the church in his honor in lieu of flowers.
Southside Church
1219 Indian Creek Dr.
Brownwood, TX 76801
Please join us in remembering Don Bostic at a memorial service at 10 a.m. on Tuesday, May 5 at Southside Church.
