The man who never meets a stranger: 94 years of faith, family and legacy

William J. Brown, 94, is a man of faith and value, teaching his children to love each other and to take care of themselves. (Photo by Tiffany Griffith)

By the Family of William J. Brown

Let us introduce you to our 94-year-old dad, William J. Brown, who has never met a stranger.

He’s one of those that could have a conversation with a sign post.

Dad is one of 12 children born to Governor and Mary Brown in Thornton, Texas. He married the love of his life, Ruth Ester Hunter, on Dec. 17, 1954. They shared 65 years of holy matrimony until her untimely death. There were 10 children born from this union, 21 grandchildren and 35 great-grandchildren and five great-great-grandchildren.

Dad is a man of Christian faith and value. He was baptized on Feb. 20, 1967, where he serves in the brotherhood of Eastside Church of Christ. He has been a mentor/dad not only to us, but to many young preachers who ministered at the congregation.

Dad taught us all to be a handyman, especially us girls. Instructions range from changing a light bulb in the house to being able to check the oil in the car.

We were taught what it means to be a family, love each other and that we were never alone as long as we depended on God. He taught by example good work ethics. There were times he and my mother went to work sick, because their absence would cause a shortage at work for their coworkers.

Dad is an avid Dodgers fan. We watched him and our uncle Howard as kids listen to the games on the radio. They brought the games alive, even though we could not visually see them. Still today his favorite shirt/cap to wear is the LA Dodgers

Dad served in the U.S. Army during the Korean War. He was the mechanic for the Hamlin Compress for 47 years. He was honored to fix cars for individuals in the communities who could not afford the expense.

Dad’s daily activities include his daily Bible studies, working the jumbles, putting together 300-piece puzzles, watching the cooking videos and strolling around the house for exercise. Yes, exercises … at 94 still doing squats!

Dad has many quotes for family and friends:

• Always treat your fellow man right!
• Are you ready? “I’m so ready I’m red headed.”
• I’m retired…What you going to do today? I’m going to do nothing and I might not do that!

We are so grateful for the parents God blessed us with.

Happy Father’s Day.

Love you, Ester Johnson, Hazel Brown-Holloway, William Brown, Charles Brown, Ronald Brown, May Green, Pauline Smith, Stephen Brown, Tabitha Mullings and Denice Boykin.