John Preston Courville, Jr. John Preston Courville, Jr., 71, of Nederland, Texas passed away Friday, March 4, 2011 at Baptist Hospital in Beaumont. He was born on August 18, 1939 in Port Arthur, Texas to John Preston Courville, Sr. and Margaret Schexnayder Courville. John was a lifelong resident of this area and a member of Park Central Church of Christ. He had been an entertainer for 55 years. Funeral services will be at 10:00 a.m., Tuesday, March 8, 2011 at Park Central Church of Christ in Port Arthur with Mr. Jeremy Houck and Mr. Brian French officiating. A visitation for family and friends will be Monday evening from 5:00 to 8:00 p.m. at Levingston Funeral Home in Groves. John is survived by his wife; Sharron Courville of Nederland, Tx., two daughters; Leslie Broussard and husband, Don of Nederland, Tx., and Lisa King and husband, Alan of LaBelle, Tx., two sons; Scott Courville and wife, Anne of LaBelle, Tx., and Michael Pittman and wife, Christi of Mauriceville, Tx., sister; Helen Christy of LaPlace, La., brother; Michael Courville and wife, Sally of Nederland, Tx., fourteen grandchildren, four great grandchildren and many nieces, nephews, and cousins. Special thanks to the ICU nurses at Baptist Hospital, Dr. Arfeen, Dr. Oz, and Dr. Hernandez for their loving care and kindness they showed him.
Condolences
Levingston Funeral Home
November 2, 2021
1 file added to the album Obituary Wall
John Preston Courville, Jr.
August 4, 2020
John Preston Courville, Jr.
Anonymous
March 22, 2020
Dear Johnny I know your up there in heaven singing !I know grandma your aunts uncles and cousins all are together in perpetual happiness!Well last night I was listening to a national radio show a number 1 listened to and the host Art Bell played Cradle of Love.His show is broadcast every Saturday night and it's the archived show .This particular show Art Bell Somewhere in time 03_23 2001.20000000 listened to him a night.This rebroadcast occurred march 21 2020!Your still remembered and your legacy goes onward never to be forgotten!
Anonymous
April 11, 2016
I was a friend a co worker Of John as I knew him, also was an apprentice with his son Scott. John was a man that looked after his fellow man and fellow worker , I remember hearing him sing on the way out from work one day to "Running Bear" and how he sounded so freakishly similar to the singer only to find out later he was the actual singer. Only today after watching the Buddy Holly did I really discover who Johnny Preston Courville really was and of his passing in 2011 , he was a notable figure in American history, Beaumont history and he left a great impression in my life...God Bless you John
God Bless your Family
Anonymous
July 27, 2012
Johnny certainly was a very talented artist. He had an incredible vocal range and could sing any kind of music and perform with many diverse arrangements. He was also a golden gentleman, so kind, warm and generous. I had the opportunity of meeting Johnny Preston back in 1998, when he performed at Theatre Royal a venue in Hanley, a town some three miles from my home in Stoke-On-Trent. I was greatly saddened to learn that Johnny had passed away last year. The music world lost a great entertainer and a very nice man. He shall be greatly missed. On behalf of my family and myself, please accept our condolences. May God bless Johnny and his family. The Lord has another great singer in heaven. R.I.P. Johnny Preston.
Anonymous
March 9, 2011
My condolences to your entire family, for your loss. I may not have known Johnny personally, but I remember his songs very well, and "Running Bear" is one of my all time favorites. He will be missed by so many for his wonderful talent. Prayers go out to your family, to be strong. He is in Gods hands now.
Anonymous
March 9, 2011
Sir, May the wind always be at your back. Fair winds and following Seas. Rest in peace.
Anonymous
March 8, 2011
I have always loved Johnny's music and played it for thousands of people many times over the years at several Canadian radio stations. Thank you to Johnny's family for sharing his great talent with us. I never got to see him in person but will never stop enjoying his music or thinking of his wonderful career.
Anonymous
March 8, 2011
Sharon, John and I were so saddened to hear that Johnny was gone. We so enjoyed seeing you both at church for 17 years. We pray that you and your family will be comforted by the many wonderful memories that you have to share. We're so sorry that we won't be able to attend his service. God bless you. With love, John and Linda
Anonymous
March 8, 2011
i worked with johnny years ago on the PNG schools and enjoyed his music before that. saw him at the city auditorum way back. he will be missed but never forgotten. God bless your family
Anonymous
March 8, 2011
I worked with Johnny in the 1990's and the first time I met him he made me feel like we had known each other for years.He was easy to talk to.It is rare to meet such a person as Johnny.I wish I could have been at the service but didn't find out about the times until too late!It's with a heavy heart that I say Johnny will be missed and God Bless You All!
Anonymous
March 8, 2011
Deepest sympathies to Leslie, Michael and the entire family.
Anonymous
March 7, 2011
Leslie, my love, thoughts, and prayers are with you and your family members at such a sad and difficult time in your life. Leslie, you came into my life when you were a very young teenager. Your Dad, came into my life when I was a very young teenager. In my herat is where both of you will forever remain. Sharon, you and Johnny will forever remain sweethearts. Both of you had the very best with each other. We will see your loved one again. Johnny, thank you for the wonderful teenage memories you gave to me. I will treasure these memories always.
Anonymous
March 7, 2011
To the family: I lived most of my life in the Port Arthur Groves area. I am a huge fan of Johnny and his music. My husband and I go to the Rock N Roll show each year downtown in Port Arthur. We saw him perform last year. He will be missed and remembered by all who knew him and loved his music. My prayers are with your family.
Anonymous
March 7, 2011
Sharon and family, You were a great pair, My prayers are with you.
Anonymous
March 6, 2011
Dear Sharon and Family: I am so sorry for your loss. I am sure Johnny will be sorely missed.I am Johnny's cousin (Uncle Leonard's daughter. Leonard is Margaret's brother.)My family visited with Aunt Margaret through the years, but I hadn't seen Johnny since I was young. Stephanie Schexnayder Leleux
Anonymous
March 6, 2011
Grew up with his music, I am the Nephew of J.P Richardson (the Big Bopper) His music will live for ever. John will be missed by all
Anonymous
March 6, 2011
Sincere condolences for the loss of Johnny. I am his cousin, son of Isaac Courville, Johnny's dad's brother. We are so sorry for your loss and ours. I cannot attend Monday viewing but will try my best to be at the church on Tuesday. God bless you, Sharron and family.
Anonymous
March 6, 2011
At times like this, there are no words that can ease the pain of your loss, but I'd like to offer my deepest sympathies and let you know my prayers are with the family. You've lost a loved one, the world has lost a great singer, and many of us have lost a good friend.
Anonymous
March 6, 2011
Thanks Buddy!
Anonymous
March 6, 2011
Dear Sharon & Family, My sincere condolences to you and your children. I know how much you loved and adored Johnny and how much you will miss him. I have wonderful memories of your family during the time our lives were connnected. You and Johnny will always have a very special place in my heart. I pray that God's love will sustain you during this difficult time. Love, Sue
Anonymous
March 6, 2011
RECEIVE HIS SOUL AND PRESENT HIM TO GOD THE MOST HIGH...THESE ARE OUR THOUGHTS AS WE JOIN THE FAMILY IN THIS TIME OF SEPARATION KNOWING WE WILL ALL SEE EACH OTHER AGAIN..OH WHAT A HAPPY REUNION GOING ON NOW..I KNOW MOMMY AND DADDY ARE HAPPY...THOUGHTS FROM JOHANNA
Anonymous
March 6, 2011
I am so proud to have known Johnny Preston Courville. I met Johnny in 1959 when he & his band performed at my mother's lounge, "Beulah's", in Port Arthur. The greatest voice to ever come out of the Golden Triangle is now silent. We will all miss him. ~Allen Wayne
Anonymous
March 6, 2011
Sharron & Family~ I am so sorry for your loss. Johhnny was a dear friend to everyone, and we have all been blessed to have him share his beautiful voice with us. All of you have been in my prayers throughout these long weeks. Johnny is now with our Lord, but his voice will continue to fill our homes, cars, and hearts. Thank you, Johnny, for being a good friend, and sharing your life with us. Love to each of you~
Anonymous
March 6, 2011
Mrs. Courville, Leslie and family-I just met Mr. Courville briefly when we sold ya'll the house.It was very evident how much he loved his family. May God hold you close and your memories of him sustain you. My thoughts and prayers are with you all.
Anonymous
March 6, 2011
Thank you, Johnny Preston, for my teenage memories of dancing to your songs on American Bandstand and at our Records Hops. Your music will always be in our hearts! Bunny Gibson
Anonymous
March 6, 2011
Leslie and Family -I am so sorry to hear about your Dad. My thoughts and prayers are with you all during this sad time. Shirley LeDoux (ansleigh's grandma)
Anonymous
March 6, 2011
Please accept my condolences and those from all who enjoyed Johnny's music over the last several decades. We are blessed to have had not only his music but talented radio professionals who still recognize true quailty and play his recordings regularly. He will never be forgotten. Thank you and God Bless.
Anonymous
March 6, 2011
Sharon and family My condolences to you and your family. I remember singing Running Bear with my dad when I was a young girl. I also worked with you at FB&T May God hold you in his arms and give you inner peace through this difficult time.
Anonymous
March 5, 2011
Sharon, I don't know if you remember me - I worked with you at First Bank and Trust. I am so sorry to hear of your loss. I'll always remember "Running Bear". My prayers are with you and your family at this difficult time. Cindy Harmon
Anonymous
March 5, 2011
Dear Sharon & Johnny's Family, We offer our truest condolences! You are in our prayers. I thank Johnny for opening the door to start my music profession in 1958, being a part of "The Shades." I have great memories of our times together. We will be with you in spirit!
Anonymous
March 5, 2011
Leslie, Scott, and families, We are so sorry for your loss. Let your great memories of your dad fill your hearts at this time. Our prayers and thoughts are with you all.
Anonymous
March 5, 2011
My heartfelt prayers and very special thoughts to the entire family as so very many honor the life of Johnny Preston Courville Jr. I'm sure the angels are singing as his new journey begins in heaven. Johnny, sang his way into the hearts of so very many people for many years. In our hearts is where he will forever remain. Thank you so much for the wonderful memories of your music especially Running Bear. Johnny, when you sing with the Big Bopper again tell him we all said hey.
Anonymous
March 5, 2011
Sharon, May God Bless you and your family in your time of grief, and may Johnny Rest in the peace, serenity and love of God. All my Love, Johnny's cousin and God child,
Anonymous
March 5, 2011
Johnny hired us (the Roger Cantu Trio) to play in his club 5 nights a week in 1966. The club was on the Beaumont Highway. I enjoyed very much working with him and backing him up every night. He will be surely missed..