Roll Call Tribute

Johnson Bryan Sutherlin 

May 20, 1936 - April 27, 2025 

Johnson “Bryan” Sutherlin, beloved husband, brother, father, grandfather and great-grandfather was ushered into the hands of our almighty Lord on April 27, 2025. Bryan was born in Cayuga, Texas on May 20, 1936. He attended Cayuga High School where he excelled as both a scholar and athlete. Bryan was a member of the 1953 and 1954 state champion Cayuga Wildcat basketball team and also valedictorian of his high school class. Bryan’s performance in the classroom and on the court earned him a scholarship to Texas A&M where he was the leading scorer and rebounder on the freshman basketball team. After graduating in 1958 from Texas A&M with a degree in petroleum engineering, he was commissioned as a second lieutenant in the U.S. Army Reserves where he ultimately achieved the rank of captain. After his initial training in the Army, Bryan began his career as a production engineer for Lone Star Gas in Tyler, Texas while simultaneously serving in the Reserves. During his career with Lone Star Gas Co., Bryan received his Masters of Business Administration from SMU’s School of Business. Bryan was named Young Petroleum Engineer of the Year in Dallas, Texas and became the youngest executive for Lone Star Gas Co., serving as Vice President of Finance. After Lone Star Gas Co., Bryan pursued various positions in the financial field prior to forming Culebra Oil and Gas with his two sons, Brad and Kevin.

Bryan was never happier and more at peace, than when he was out on hunting and fishing trips with the people he loved most, his family and friends. Some of his favorites were his dove hunting trips in Argentina and his many trout fishing trips to northern New Mexico and Colorado with his family.

Bryan had a passion for serving others and bringing people to Christ, demonstrated by his dedication as a greeter and helper at Brother Bill’s Helping Hands food pantry. Bryan was a faithful member of Park Cities Baptist Church, where he served as an usher and happily supported many other ministries. Bryan’s kindness and generosity left a lasting impact on all who crossed his path. Whether it was his time, resources, or love, he was there for everyone and was a quick forgiver. Once work slowed down in his later years, you could find him in his garden or in the kitchen, making his favorite French cuisine for his loved ones. Above all else, Bryan loved Jesus, family, friends, and his many Maltese dogs he adored throughout the years.

Bryan is preceded in death by his parents; Jennings Bryan Sutherlin and Norma Johnson Sutherlin; grandson, John “Jack” Patrick Herrera sister Fonda Joy Sutherlin Penney and brother-in-law Lynn Penney, nephew Steve Lynn Penney.

Bryan is survived by the love of life, his wife of 49 years, Charlotte Lovett Sutherlin; his children Brad (Katherine) Sutherlin, Ray Herrera, Kevin (Ernestine) Sutherlin, Janae (Jimmy) Day, Laurie (Charles) Ennis; grandchildren Kasey Sutherlin, Joshua (fiance’ Megan) Sutherlin, Kaitlin (Sam) Oliver, Makenzie Day, Elle (Matthew) Hernandez, and Sam Day. Great grandchildren: Everett and Eloise Oliver and sister, Jean (Weldon) Ducan.

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