Support the John Brock Memorial Scholarship

John Douglas Brock passed away on August 31, 2024 at the age of age of 62 due to complications from a brain aneurysm. He was preceded in death by his parents, Gerald and Mary Jacqueline (Sue) Brock/Harper and sister, Kathy Sue Brock. He is survived by his siblings, Jerry Brock and wife Debbie, Jan Bradley and husband Greg, and Jackie Goralczyk and husband Don. He leaves behind a large extended family of nieces, nephews, cousins, aunts, uncles, friends, and his beloved dog, Suzie.

John was born in Lima, Ohio on December 29, 1961, the fourth of five children. In his younger years, he enjoyed playing baseball and saxophone in the school band. He graduated from Garland High School in 1980 and remained at home as a support to his parents during his father’s long illness.

John loved family get-togethers of all kinds – holiday meals, family celebrations, and those amazing Fourth of July weekends spent in Mineola. All were filled with loud conversations and good food, and he was happiest just being in the middle of it. Frequently you would find him behind a camera capturing the moments with pictures and video.

John enjoyed taking long road trips and visiting new places and often would take one of his nephews along for the ride. He was a history buff and would combine the trips with visits to national parks, historical locations, and to see extended family in Ohio. He loved researching genealogy and has left behind a treasure trove of documentation for the family.

John was a gentle soul and loved all animals. He had a particular soft spot for dogs, and they sensed they had found a friend in him. He was a delivery driver for many years and would always keep a box of Milk Bones on the truck for his stops along the way. He not only knew the names of the families he delivered to, but all of their dogs’ names as well.

John was an avid fan of all Garland High sports – football, basketball, baseball, softball – he did not discriminate but loved them all. He followed his high school team for over forty years and would regularly keep family members updated with play-by-play texts from the games. He was a master statistician and could tell the odds of the Owls going to the playoffs before the first game of the season. In fact, the only time he missed a family get-together was when it conflicted with his Garland Owls playing in the state final. He was a long-time member of football boosters and loved being a part of the Whoo Crew putting up the tunnel and supporting the players at the games. He would get to know the athletes and their families and was excited to follow their successes when they went on to play in college.

To honor John, we have established a John Brock Memorial Scholarship through the Garland ISD Education Foundation. Two scholarships will be given in the spring of 2025 to a female and male athlete from Garland High School to further their education. This fund has been set up with that goal in mind and all proceeds will go towards the scholarships.

If you prefer to honor John in another way, please donate to an animal shelter or rescue of your choice.