HERMAN RAY BROWN

HERMAN RAY BROWN was born on September 19, 1948, in Houston, Texas, to Jack M. Brown, Sr. and Eddie Grace Brown. He was the last of four boys. His parents and siblings preceded him in death. Affectionately known as "Ray" by family and friends, he was raised in Studewood Heights, where he attended Burris Elementary and graduated from Booker T. Washington Senior High School. Ray had many talents and
participated in various activities as a youth. He played violin, tenor and alto saxophone, the organ, and guitar. He was a Boy Scout and Eagle Scout, in the Marquis boys' group, and played in his high school marching and jazz bands. After graduation, he attended his beloved Prairie View A&M University and was a member of the marching band. Though he initially planned to major in music, he shifted interest and graduated with
a B.S. in Electrical Engineering.

In 1968, Ray met Linda Turner, the love of his life and the woman who would become his wife of 55 years. They married in 1971 and added two daughters to their union, Keffrelyn and Cheri. Ray was exceptionally proud of his daughters and that pride eventually extended to his four grandchildren. Ray had a full professional life as an engineer, working at Amaco Oil, Roosevelt Construction, and Geosource, before settling in at ExxonMobil, where he worked for 26 years until retirement. Ray worked as an engineering supervisor and manager in oil and gas, the chemical sector, environmental management, procurement, and logistical/maritime. During his off time, Ray enjoyed photography, bowling, swimming, fishing, supporting the activities of his children and grandchildren, and waiting in "the men's section" while Linda shopped at the mall.

Throughout his life, Ray was known for his love and commitment to God and his family. Ray was a lifelong, faithful member of the Fifth Ward Church of Christ and served in many capacities. He was a song leader, van driver, summer camp chaperone, middle school Bible school teacher, summer enrichment math tutor, and worked with the college ministry. He was also a deacon and an elder, a position he held for 14 years before
retiring in 2018. In these leadership roles, Ray worked with the Men's Ministry, the Benevolence Ministry, and the Transportation Ministry. Ray also served in his community. He volunteered as an engineering mentor for aspiring middle school students and was the president of the Chinquapin Preparatory School parent association. He also served as a community reading tutor for elementary children to commemorate the
historic election of President Barack Obama. Ray also expressed his love, responsibility, and care for his parents and siblings in their later years as he helped them manage their health.

Ray was a Christian man who served God and his family with zeal until his health no longer allowed. He studied his Bible faithfully, devoting time and attention to lesson preparation. Ray was incessantly punctual and full of energy. He believed in being on time, working hard, keeping his word, remaining committed to God, and taking care of his family. He will be remembered as a loving, responsible, and devoted husband, father,
and grandfather, as well as a mentor and champion of his sons-in-law. He also built strong, deep mentorship relationships with family and members of Fifth Ward COC. The many lessons he taught will forever live in his memory.

Those left behind to cherish his memories: his wife, Linda Turner Brown; his daughters, Keffrelyn Brown (Anthony) and Cheri Hamilton (William); and his grandchildren, Jaelyn Hamilton, William Jyle Hamilton, Kanaan Brown, and Kythe Brown. He also leaves to mourn a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and other relatives and family.