Johnnie Augustus “Gus” Dormier passed from this world into the arms of the Lord on April 24, 2026.
A celebration of life will be held at the First Baptist Church in Throckmorton, Texas on Friday, May 1, 2026 at 2PM. Visitation will be Thursday, April 30, 2026 under the direction of Smith Family Funeral Home in Throckmorton, Texas, with 6-7 p.m. being an opportunity to express condolences to the family.
Gus was born on May 17, 1946 to Johnnie and Doris Dormier. He grew up working on his family’s farm in Megargel, Texas, and graduated from Megargel High School in 1964. He attended Cooke County Junior College (North Texas Central College) on scholarship to play basketball, and then attended East Texas State University (East Texas A&M University) where he graduated with a bachelor’s degree in mathematics in 1967. He began his coaching career the following year.
In 1969 he married Carla (Echols) Dormier. He devoted himself to teaching and coaching various sports at different high schools for over 20 years, notably collecting back-to-back football state titles in 1972 and 1973 as the head coach of the Goree Wildcats. He later led the Throckmorton Greyhounds as head coach to their first-ever football state championship appearance in 1986.
He obtained his master’s degree in educational administration in 1990 from TWU. He served as a high school math teacher, drivers education teacher, school bus driver, athletic director and school principal throughout his career, aswellasworkingsummers farming, in the oil field and in masonry. Gus eventually retired from the education system as principal for the Windham School District, where he assisted many TDCJ students in obtaining their high school diplomas and trade certifications.
He later owned and operated various businesses for numerous years, including JD Wholesale, TLC Homehealth Agency and Uplifting Homehealth Agency.
He was recognized throughout his career with various accolades, including being named UIL Coach of the Year. He proudly served on the Throckmorton Collegiate ISD school board for years. From rebuilding car motors and laying brick, to electrical rewiring, there was really nothing he couldn’t figure out and do. More than anything he did he absolutely loved coaching. He delighted in sharing memories of his former players. He could tell you all about any player he coached, their height/ weight and detail after detail about each one. He was a strategist and mathematician and was tough. He believed in working hard, and he pushed his players to do just that. He wanted to make a difference for kids and coaching—as he would say “my kids” truly filled his heart with joy. His only other title besides “Coach” that made him smile as big was “PeePaw” to his grandchildren.
Guswasamemberofthe First Christian Church in Megargel, Texas, and then later became a member of the First Baptist Church in Goree, Texas. He will be dearly missed by those who loved him until the time we are reunified in Heaven again.
Gus is survived by children Susan Dormier of Throckmorton, Texas, Josh Dormier of La Vernia, Texas, and Sarah Vincent and husband, Jarad Vincent, of Odessa, Texas; grandchildren Zach Hare and wife, Mati, Johnnie Dormier and Wren Vincent; great-grandchildren Evelynn, Addilynn and Hudson Hare; brother Kennith Dormier; sister-inlaw Carolyn Dormier; and mother of his children Carla Dormier, as well as his nieces and nephews and extended family members. Gus is preceded in death by his son Jeff Dormier, his parents, Johnnie and Doris Dormier, his brother David Dormier and his brother-inlaw Mike Echols.
The family would like to express their sincere gratitude to Dr. Beasley and nurses and caregivers Whitney Waller, Tara Myers and Geneva Mitchell who took exceptional care of Gus in his final days. The family is deeply thankful for the care and love shown to him by these special people.
Online condolences can be shared with the family at www.smithfamilyfh.com.