John Randolph Storie

John Randolph (Randy) Storie died May 11, 2015, in Midland,TX. He was born in Odessa, TX, February 10, 1949, to Prebble Hortense Brannon Storie and Dale Storie. After graduating from Odessa High School, he attended West Texas State University in Canyon where he earned both a Bachelor of Music degree in 1971 and a Master of Arts degree in 1978.Mr. Storie began his 45-year teaching career in Plano I.S.D. as an assistant director, followed by positions at McDonald Middle School in Mesquite (1972-73), Fort Stockton Junior High (1973-1976), and San Jacinto Junior High in Midland (1976-1980).In 1980, he was named Director of Bands at Robert E. Lee High School in Midland, a position he held until the fall of 2014, when he was promoted to Coordinator of Music for Midland I.S.D. He was a highly respected and sought-after clinician and adjudicator.During his time as director of his beloved Mighty Rebels, he served terms as chairman and president of Region VI Band Division of the Texas Music Educators Association and was elected vice president and chairman of the state organization for 1996-1998. Other professional honors and memberships included the Legion of Honor (1996), Texas Bandmasters Association, National Bandmasters Association, and American Bandmasters Association. He was a member of Phi Betu Mu Bandmaster fraternity and life member of Kappa Kappa Psi National Honorary Band Fraternity.During his 35-year tenure at LHS, he and the Rebel band were without question the “heart and soul of Lee High School.” It would be nearly impossible to cite all the awards and recognitions Mr. Storie and his band have earned, but several made him especially proud. First of all, under his direction, the Rebel Band earned 35 consecutive sweepstakes awards in UIL competition. In 1992, the band was the recipient of the John Phillip Sousa Sudler Flag of Honor. His bands were invited to perform at two gubernatorial inaugurations (for George W.Bush in 1994 and 1998), and three presidential inaugurations in Washington, D.C., including those of Ronald Reagan in 1985, George H. W. Bush in 1990, and George W. Bush in 2001. In 1998 his band performed at Carnegie Hall in New York City. His bands also received invitations to march in the Tournament of Roses Parade 1993 and then again in 2015. Since 1984, they have been consistent top 10 finalists for the Texas Honor Band.Mr. Storie was preceded in death by his parents, Prebble Storie and and Dale Storie. He is survived by his cousins David Rhoads (Rebecca) and Mary Rhoads Routh of Wimberly, TX; Marsha Wolfe (Roger), McCamey, TX; Heavia Doyle (Jerry), Floresville, TX; Gerry Patterson (Suzanne), Georgetown, TX; Mike Patterson, Houston, TX, and Buenger Dickson (Sally), Austin, TX.He was an honorary uncle to and hand-picked by Melissa Moore, Lori Kuhl, Melainie Lauderdale, David Rhoads III, and Jonathan Rhoads.He is also survived by his very special friends, Bob and Billie Vick, Midland, TX as well as more than 9,000 students whom he loved and taught over the years, including more than 60 whom he influenced to become music educators or professional musicians themselves. He also leaves behind countless parents of band students who have remained close to him throughout his career.Viewing will be Thursday and Friday, May 14-15, 2015 from 10:00 am – 9:00 pm at Nalley-Pickle and Welch Funeral Home, 3800 N. Big Spring St., Midland, Texas. The family will receive guests Thursday, May 14, 2015 between 7:00 pm – 9:00 pm at the funeral home.Graveside services will be held at 11:00 am, Saturday, May 16, 2015 at the family plot in East Hill Cemetery, Fort Stockton, TX with his cousin David L. Rhoads officiating.A memorial concert/celebration of Mr. Storie’s life and career is planned for Saturday, July 13 in Stan Cobb auditorium of Robert E. Lee High School. Final arrangements pending.Arrangements are under the direction of Nalley-Pickle & Welch Funeral Home of Midland. Online condolences can be made at www.npwelch.com.,