William Glenn Brundige

William Glenn (Bill) Brundige was born in Holyoke Colorado on November 13, 1948 to Glenn Christie & Dorothy Jeane (Beckman) Brundige.  He passed away in his home in Knoxville , Tennessee on December 29,2018 after a valiant struggle with cancer. 

After the blizzard that followed his birth he was brought home to join his sister Linda.  The family moved to a farm 3 miles east of Haxtun in January 1949. The family was joined by his brother James (Jim) in 1954. 

Bill attended Haxtun Schools and graduated in 1966.  While at Haxtun he earned letters in Football, Basketball & Track.  He was selected to various All-Conference and All State teams and was selected to play in the Colorado All State football game in Pueblo where he played so well he earned a scholarship to play football at the University of Colorado. 

On entering CU he had one of the highest SAT scores ever for an incoming Freshman. Bill and Eric Harris became the first integrated roommates in the history of the CU football program.  While at CU he lettered in 3 sports, indoor and outdoor track as well as Football.  CU attended the Bluebonnet Bowl in 1967 and the Liberty Bowl in 1969 where Bill was selected as the outstanding Defensive player of the game.  He was named to All Big Eight teams including being selected as the Defensive Player of the Year in 1969.  He was selected as an  All American and participated in several College All Star games including the East West Shrine game and the Senior Bowl.  He also set a record for most tackles for a loss in a season at 24 in 1969, a record that still stands. Bill was elected to the CU Athletic Hall of Fame in 2016.

Bill married Cheri Bamford in 1968 and they moved to Virginia in 1970 after Bill was drafted in the second round of the NFL draft by Vince Lombardi of the Washington Redskins.  He also began volunteering with the Special Olympics working with Ethel Kennedy during this time.  Bill played for the Redskins from 1970 to 1977 when injuries curtailed his football career.  He played in the Super Bowl after the 1972 season against the Miami Dolphins.  Bill ranks as the 6th all time sack leader for the Washington Redskins and in 2002 was selected to the 70 Greatest Redskins Team.  Bill was active in the Redskins Alumni Association including serving on the Board.  

While playing with the Redskins Bill worked in the Automobile business starting with Bob White in 1970.  He continued to work in the industry for the next 40 years.  He also owned several restaurants starting with the Huddle in 1973.

Bill was much more than a football player; he was an avid reader and always carried a book with him to read, even while driving a car. He loved to travel especially to Hawaii and St Martens in the Caribbean.  He loved boating and most weekends during the summer he could be found at Smith Mountain Lake entertaining family and friends. Bill was a story teller & loved to tell stories about growing up in Haxtun and his many adventures in and out of Football. 

Bill married Bonnie Boling Payne in 2000 after a long courtship.  They later moved to Knoxville, Tennessee where they lived until Bill’s passing.  Bill was a devoted husband, son, brother, friend, Uncle and Great Uncle.  Even agreeing to host a 17 year old Jamie for the summer following her High School graduation, an educational experience for both Uncle and Niece.  He adored his wife Bonnie, the Love of his life, spending time with his Tennessee family.  Between visits he loved following the the adventures of his Haxtun family in the paper and Facebook.  Bill lived his life to the fullest and nothing was done halfway.  He will be missed by many.

Bill was preceded in death by his father Glenn.  He is survived by his wife Bonnie of Knoxville.  His mother D. Jeane Brundige and brother Jim and wife Jody of Haxtun.  His Sister Linda of Ft Collins.  Loving nieces and nephews Jamie and Husband Craig Tori and their children Isabella and Jacob of Haxtun.  Kayla and Dale Dantzler and children Alexis Walker, and her daughter Brooklyn Walker,  Keniah, Brionna and Try Mostella. Adam Grubbs, Jama Hamilton, Ammie and Dan Webb, Traci and Joe Renfro, Dewayne and Missi Bowers.  Andy Shipe Shaun Boling and Destiny Boling.  Sisters –in-law Judy Bowers, Juanita Hamilton and Diane Buckner, as well as many cousins and friends. 

A celebration of Bill’s life will be held at the Haxtun United Methodist Church on Saturday May 4, 2019 at 10:30 in the morning.  Memorial Donations may be made to the Haxtun Fightin’ Bulldogs football program or your charity of choice.

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