Tommy Bronson, Tennessee football legend without proper acclaim, died last week in Brooksville, Florida, at age 88.
Bronson was a battering ram, the blocking fullback who helped win all-America honors for John Majors in 1956.
I explained that once, many years later, to John in a happy three-way conversation. He laughed heartily, said thank you and patted Tommy on the back. Bronson laughed but suddenly seemed serious.
“I think you’re onto something,” he said. “Johnny has enough fame and fortune that he could give away some more and never miss it.”
Tommy Bronson as a Vol in 1956
More laughter followed. The old teammates shared a hug. Indeed, they had made many memories together.
One example: In the famous Georgia Tech-Tennessee game of ‘56, No. 2 in the country versus No. 3, two passes from Majors to Buddy Cruze moved the ball to the Yellow Jackets’ 1. Bronson plunged for the touchdown in a 6-0 Vol victory.
Bronson, a modest man, probably would have enjoyed a small share of Majors’ surplus recognition. John as a senior was runner-up for the Heisman Trophy. Tommy was third-team all-Southeastern Conference. He didn’t need to pick Majors’ pocket. Bronson became a multi-millionaire.
He was president and chief operating officer of several companies. He was a big player in the cement and sand industry.
Personal story: One of his good-citizen companies transformed its used-up Florida phosphate mines into beautiful lakes. Tom Siler, my “first best” newspaper boss, and I were invited to come catch bass.
“Try not catch the alligators that live on the lakes,” said Bronson.
We stayed in a Bronson cabin. We used a Bronson boat. We were careful not to catch any alligators and failed to catch a trophy bass but we had a delightful week of fellowship. Old Vols are special friends.
“He was my best football friend,” said Jim Smelcher, teammate and tackle. “He was best man in my wedding. Tommy was a tremendous player and a wonderful person.”
Thomas Edward Bronson was born on August 13, 1936, in Gainesville. He was a proud descendant of an original Florida pioneer family. He graduated with honors from P.K. Yonge Laboratory High School in 1954. He was all-state in football, captain of three sports teams and president of his senior class. He wanted to play at Florida but the Gators coach, Bob Woodruff, showed no interest.
One of General Robert R. Neyland’s old buddies helped Tennessee recruiters.
Bronson started 32 consecutive games as a fullback and defensive halfback for Bowden Wyatt teams. In his only trip to Gainesville as a Volunteer, Tommy helped Tennessee beat the Gators, 20-0. He scored all three touchdowns.
That was a double-good day. A former high school classmate introduced him to Sarah Alice McKethan. They were married in 1957.
Bronson earned a degree in business administration with a major in finance. He was president of his UT senior class. He went into military service as an officer and gentleman. He served as an infantry lieutenant 1958 to 1960.
Bronson found time for several leadership roles beyond business. He was once chairman of the board of trustees at the University of Tampa and at Fork Union Military Academy in Virginia.
He was the driving force behind construction of Tom Fisher Stadium in Brooksville in memory of the former Vol linebacker who died in an auto accident.
Bronson was a founding member of Faith Presbyterian Church. He served as an elder, Sunday school teacher, chairman of the Christian education committee and sang in the choir. In 2019, he was named elder emeritus of the church.
Tommy was a past president of the Brooksville Kiwanis Club and a member for over 50 years.
He was an avid sailor. I heard stories of him captaining his boat about the British Virgin Islands and San Juan Islands. He also obtained his pilot’s license. Alas, I was never invited to any of those outings.
Bronson never gave up his ties to the Volunteers. He said he tried to live by a Neyland maxim.
“When the breaks go against you, don’t get rattled, put on more steam.”
In 2006, Tennessee named a football locker room in honor of Bronson and former all-American guard Bill Johnson.
“Tommy and Bill helped build the foundation that makes Tennessee football what it is,” said Phillip Fulmer, then the coach.
Tommy was preceded in death by his wife of 43 years, Alice. He is survived by his wife of 20 years, Connie Hollinsworth Bronson, and his children, Mary Alice Bailey, Beth Kompo, Lynda Swicegood and Tom Bronson.
Tommy’s life will be celebrated Saturday at Faith Church. A graveside ceremony will follow at Brookville Cemetery. Jim Smelcher is listed among honorary pallbearers. Full obituary here.
Marvin West welcomes comments or questions from readers. His address is marvinwest75@gmail.com.