Johnny Columbus McBride Strong

Johnny Columbus McBride Strong formerly of Humble, Texas passed away on January 18, 2021 in Tomball, Texas at the age of 91. Johnny was born in Upshur County near Ashland, Texas on October 3, 1929 to Joe Cornelius Strong and Evie Lee Zetty Strong. He was the fourth of nine children. His siblings were Richard, Durene, Leo, Dorothy, Joe Wayne, Betty, Jerry, and Jenell.

Johnny grew up during the Great Depression, so he was no stranger to hard work. At only eight years old, he took on a paper route in Ashland, Texas. Later, his family moved to Gilmer, Texas where Johnny worked in a bakery washing dishes while standing on an old crate so he could reach the sink. In exchange for his work, he received baked goods to take home to his family. When Johnny was around 12 years old, his family moved to Newton,Texas where they “farmed on halves” which meant they farmed someone else’s land in exchange for half of the profit at harvest. The family farmed 100 acres. Johnny oversaw 15 acres of tomatoes. At age 14, Johnny's family moved to Bon Weir, Texas where his dad found work in the local sawmill. Johnny started working at a gas station in Newton, Texas. He filled cars with gasoline, cleaned the windshields, checked the oil, and the tire pressure for each customer. He loved driving the cars onto the service ramp where he greased the joints. He drove his dad's truck from Bon Weir to Newton for the job. While attending school in Newton, Johnny met his best friend J. R. Nolan. He lived with J. R.’s family for about 2 years to be closer to his job at the gas station. At age 16, Johnny left Newton to work as a rough neck in the oil field. He helped drill oil wells up and down the Texas coast and offshore. Eventually, oil field work brought him to Humble, Texas where he met his lifetime love, Bonnie Lee Erwin. He met Bonnie at the Jewell Theater in Humble where she was the popcorn girl. He visited the theater often and finally worked up the nerve to ask her out. On September 6, 1950, they were married on the stage of the Jewell Theater. Johnny and Bonnie lived in an apartment until they built a house on a lot in Humble given to them by Bonnie's mother, Gracie Erwin. While living in Humble, their two daughters, Gwenda Lee and Charlotte Ann, were born. He continued working in the oilfield as a driller for Pyramid Derricks. After about eight years, they bought a house in Eastex Oaks Subdivision about 5 miles from Humble where they lived out their lives and became members of Eastex Oaks Baptist Church. Eventually, Johnny left the oil field and became a pipefitter. He worked at the Upjohn refinery in Pasadena, Texas where he was a foreman until he retired in 1994. After retirement, Johnny and Bonnie started a concession trailer selling funnel cakes. He was just not quite ready for retirement. Bonnie and Johnny had been married 59 years at the time of Bonnie’s passing.

In his spare time, Johnny tinkered around in his woodshop. He also enjoyed camping in his RV. His favorite spot to vacation with his family was Estes Park, Colorado where he would do some fly fishing and enjoy a break from the Texas heat. He dearly loved the mountains and was famous with his family for always finding the narrowest of roads on which to drive while sightseeing.

Johnny’s formal education was in bits and pieces due to the Depression and the necessity of having to work to support his family during his early years. Johnny was an everyday hero. Although he had no fancy degrees or great material riches, Johnny was always able to provide for his family with his hard work and determination. He enjoyed the simple things in life and was always grateful for what God had given him. Johnny taught his family to show God’s love by loving and caring for others. It was rare to see him without a smile on his face and in his heart. His comical wit endeared him to all. He will be truly missed by his family and anyone who knew him.

Johnny will be laid to rest next to his wife on January 25, 2021 at Brookside Cemetery in Houston, Texas. Pastor Rebecca Jones of Tomball United Methodist Church will be officiating.

In lieu of flowers, honor him with a donation to your church or favorite charity.

Johnny is survived by a daughter, Charlotte Boudreaux; a daughter, Gwenda Reddehase and spouse, Craig ; granddaughter, Michelle Mahan and spouse, Danny; grandson, Phillip Lackey and spouse, Jessica; granddaughter, Melinda Reddehase and Jason McRoberts; granddaughter, Cristie Reddehase; seven great-grandchildren, Colin Miller, Caleb Miller, Chloe Miller, Colby Miller, Bailey Cryer, Brody Lackey, and Brennen Lackey; a brother Jerry Camp and spouse Suzanne; a sister, Jenell Camp. He was preceded in death by his loving wife, Bonnie Lee Erwin Strong.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.brooksidefuneralhomelauder.com for the Strong family.