Burl Leonard Holbrook

Burl Leonard Holbrook, an exceptional spirit and a beacon of compassion, loyalty, and talent, was born on September 11, 1952, in Houston, TX. He entered into eternal rest on September 6, 2026. He was a distinguished, service oriented, Godly man who was also a historian and mathematician. Burl's life was a testament to his strength of character and his unwavering commitment to serving others. He graduated in 1972 from Central Heights High School . He then received a Vocational Teaching Certificate from Sam Houston State University in 1992. His journey as a Vocational Teacher in Windham School District was marked by an unyielding dedication, recognized by the accolades he received, including being named Teacher of the Year in 1994 and 2012. Some of his other achievements include being a volunteer firefighter captain, EMS-EMT president, OSHA instructor, cabinet maker, Habitat for Humanity volunteer (106 houses), and donated multiple wooden Christmas toys to Toys for Tots. It was not just his professional life where Burl showcased his exceptional abilities, and his career journey took him many places including: Alaskan Pipeline construction, Job Estimator, Handy Dan Hardware, Store Manger, JE Kingham- SFASU commercial construction, Clute Holbrook Construction- residential remodeling, CAL TEX Lumber Company, and Southern Pine Inspection Bureau. Burl also lived all over TEXAS: in Pecos, Monahans, Central Heights, Breckenridge, Chico, Dallas, Henderson, Nacogdoches, Point Blank, Lamesa, and Fort Stockton, eventually settling in Houston.

His hobbies, which ranged from wood working, whittling, wood lathing, leather crafting, and gunsmithing to hunting and fishing, were a testament to his diverse talents and his love for hands-on creativity. Burl's infinite wisdom and some words he lived by included:
"Take care of the pennies, and the dollars take care of themselves."
"Be prompt! To be on time you must arrive early, otherwise you're late!"
"Be diligent at whatever you love to do!"
"Better to be cooperative than competitive!" and
"I've never had it so good!"

Burl was a man of devout faith and a dedicated member of Grace Community Church Houston. He lived a life that mirrored the teachings of his faith, reflecting the verses from
Hebrews 12:1d-2, which he held close to his heart, "...let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith, who for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has set down at the right hand of the throne of God."
2 Timothy 4:7, "I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith." Burl's life was indeed a race well run, a faith well kept, and a good fight well fought.

Burl was a man of many pleasures, cherishing time spent watching his favorite programs on the Hallmark channel and the History channel, CSI, Westerns, MASH, and Columbo. His love for food was heartwarming, with his favorites being pinto beans, cornbread, tamales, pork sausage, biscuits and gravy, hominy casserole and cherry freeze.

He is survived by his loving Wife of 35 years, Martha Holbrook, Sister LaDonna Holbrook Russell, Daughter-in-Love Sheila K. Holbrook Bates (David), Son-in-Love Michael Ray Ferguson (Dayna), Son James G. Holbrook (Kristy), Daughter Edith Holbrook Grillo (Jerry), and Daughter-in-Love Candice Brooks Holbrook Matchett (Trey), seven grandchildren and four great grandchildren, as well as numerous relatives and friends. Some of the honorable mentions who meant a lot to Burl are Wealth Solution, Edward Jones, Bob Martin, Frances Tyler, Charles Woods, Sherlynn Vestal, Mike Vickers, Denise Buzhart, Mark LeNorman, and Pastor Steve and Becky Riggle of Grace Community Church. Burl was preceded in death by his Grandfather Joseph M. Holbrook and Grandmother Gladys C. Holbrook, Father Herbert L. Holbrook and Mother Mamie S. Holbrook, Brother-in-Love Benjamin Russell, Son Jefferson C. Holbrook, First Wife Sherita Kaye Partin, and Brother John Everett Holbrook.

As we remember Burl, we invite you to share your memories and upload photos to his memorial page. Each shared memory serves as a comforting reminder of his love, his life, and his legacy. Let us celebrate Burl, a life that was full of love, warmth, filled with the Holy Spirit. His memory will continue to inspire and guide us. In the face of this profound loss, let us remember that while Burl may have left us physically, he lives on in the hearts of those who knew and loved him. In lieu of flowers please consider making a contribution to Habitat for Humanity or Toys for Tots.