Donald John Brill

Donald John Brill, of Colleyville, TX, passed away on June 13, 2024. He will be remembered as a loving husband, father, grandfather and great grandfather by all that knew and loved him. He was born on August 9, 1928 in Cincinnati, Ohio to Alexander and Lillian Brill.

He was a true legend, not just in the world of sports, but in the hearts of all who had the honor of knowing him. He lived a full life between Cincinnati, Ohio, Simi Valley, California, and Colleyville, Texas.

For an incredible 70 years, Don shared an extraordinary love story with Toye. A true testament to the enduring power of love and commitment. Together, they navigated life's ups and downs with grace, resilience and a few (hundred) martinis. They both left behind a legacy of love and commitment that will endure for generations to come.

As a devoted father to his daughter Becky and son-in-law Chris, Don’s guidance, wisdom, and love shaped their lives in immeasurable ways. He was a beacon of strength and a source of endless support, instilling in them values of integrity, perseverance, and compassion.

But perhaps Don’s greatest joy came from being a grandfather to his three adoring grandchildren and a great-grandfather to his three great-grandchildren. His eyes would light up with pride and joy whenever he saw or spoke of them, and his love for them knew no bounds. Whether cheering them on from the sidelines of their sporting events or simply spending quality time together, Don treasured every moment he shared with his beloved grand and great-grandchildren.

Beyond his roles at home, Don’s impact extended far beyond the backyard. As a sports legend at the University of Cincinnati and a proud member of the La Rosa High School Sports Hall of Fame, he left an indelible mark on the football field and baseball diamond. His achievements were legendary, but it was his integrity and unwavering commitment to excellence that truly set him apart.

Don is survived by his daughter Becky Hall and son-in law Chris Hall (Colleyville, TX); his grandchildren, Katie and Taylor Thrailkill (Lewisville, TX), Ryan and Michelle Hall (Roanoke, TX), and Jared and Chelsea Hall (Bastrop, TX); and his great-grandchildren Ellie and Tati Hall (Roanoke, TX) and Theo Thrailkill (Lewisville, TX).

The memorial service will be held at Bluebonnet Hills Funeral Home on Friday, August 9, 2024 at 2pm with a reception to follow at the home of Becky and Chris Hall. In support of dad’s love of swimming and Becky’s former TCU Swim Coach, we ask that in lieu of flowers, memorial donations be made to the Richard Sybesma Endowed Scholarship at TCU. Donations can be made c/o TCU Frog Club (Richard Sybesma Scholarship), TCU Box 297140, Fort Worth, Texas 76129 or at tcufrogclub.com.