John L. “Johnny” Bludworth III, born on July 9, 1943, in Houston, passed away at his home in Hockley, Texas, on May 15, 2022. He was 79. His wife of 43 years, Karla Bludworth, was by his side as well as his children. He was preceded in death by his father John L. “Jay” Bludworth II and mother Georgia Bludworth, and his stepson Robert “Bob” Duensing.
Bludworth spent his life carrying on the legacy of his father and his father before him in the boatbuilding and repair business owning and operating successful shipyards along the Texas Gulf Coast.
He started in 1955 working summers for his dad and uncles as a helper at Bludworth Shipyard in Houston. He went on to start John Bludworth Marine Inc., Pasadena, Texas, in 1975. He also helped his dad start a shipyard in Corpus Christi, Texas, and eventually purchased the yard in 1989. The Corpus Christi yard, now John Bludworth Shipyard LLC, is still operating today.
Bludworth was known for his excellence in design, construction and quality craftmanship of marine vessels. Many of these vessels are still operating today. After selling the Pasadena and Galveston shipyards, he retired for a short time until he co-founded Republic Barge Transportation Co. in 2001. He sold Republic Baarge a few years later and retired again. He went on to invest in many business ventures including The Right Bank for Texas N.A. in 2002.
Johnny Bludworth had a passion for sailing and canoe racing. He won the Texas Junior Sailing Championship at age 17. He won both Men’s Texas Sailing Championships at age 22. This was the first time one individual had won all three state titles, as well as winning two in one year. He also had a passion for hunting and fishing and enjoyed both sports with family, friends and business associates throughout his lifetime. He most loved spending time with his wife enjoying their mutual passion for creating and maintaining a beautiful and immaculate homestead.
Survivors include his wife, Karla, sons Benny, Jason and Curtis Bludworth, daughter Melanie Bludworth, his stepson Martin Duensing and his wife Angie, his grandchildren Taylor and Colby Bludworth, and Alex and Lauren Duensing.
