William Lawrence Brown

William Lawrence "Bill" Brown (aka Bill Brown the Butcher) was born on September 19, 1932, in Los Angeles, California. Bill was the oldest of three children born to William Graff Brown and Charlotte Juliet King.

At six months old, the family relocated to Lake Elsinore in 1933. The family was completed when his sister, Janet Marie, and brother, George Owen, were born. In 1949, the family moved from Lake Elsinore to a then-100-acre ranch in Alberhill, CA. That same year, the family lost his father. Bill continued to live on "Brown's Ranch" for the rest of his life.

Bill grew up with a strong sense of work ethic, purpose, and determination. He attended Elsinore High School, where he distinguished himself as a three-sport athlete, excelling in football, basketball, and track. His athletic talents continued at Riverside Community College, where he ran for the track team.

After college, Bill served his country with pride in the United States Army from 1955 to 1957. Stationed in Frankfurt, Germany during his service years, it was during this time that the foundation of one of the most meaningful chapters of his life began-his relationship with Sandra. Introduced by his sister Janet before he left for Europe, Bill and Sandra's love story blossomed through heartfelt letters exchanged across continents. Upon his return home, the moment he saw her she became the most beautiful person in his eyes, and their bond only deepened. They married in 1958 and welcomed three children: Charlotte Elizabeth, William Lawrence Jr., and Joan Yvette. Bill and Sandra went on to share an extraordinary 67-year journey together.

Following his military service, Bill worked for over a decade at Pacific Clay as a burner. In the mid-1960s, he took a bold step toward entrepreneurship by founding Bill Brown's Custom Butchering. It all started with Bill having to butcher the animals the family raised on the ranch. Word traveled that Bill was a pretty good butcher, and the legacy began. Over the next three decades, until his retirement in 1997, Bill built a thriving business known throughout the region for its quality and reliability. His reputation was such that customers often waited weeks to secure an appointment.

Beyond his professional success, Bill generously shared his knowledge with younger generations-mentoring students involved in FFA and 4-H programs by conducting butchering demonstrations at local school farms, for which he was honored many times.

Bill's life was deeply rooted in the land he loved. His hobbies reflected his passion for rural living-caring for his ranch and tending to animals including sheep, emus, chickens, and ducks. He found joy in simple pleasures: watching sports-especially his beloved Lakers, Dodgers, and Rams-attending plays and outdoor bluegrass concerts with Sandra, or teaching his grandchildren how to care for animals and operate farm equipment. In recent years, Bill enjoyed listening to his great-grandson William, whose piano playing brought immense joy to his life.

His ability to connect with each generation, to listen, and to guide was a gift that made him a central figure in his family's narrative. These moments were more than pastimes-they were lessons in responsibility, work ethic, and love passed down through generations.

William Lawrence "Bill" Brown, 92, passed away peacefully, surrounded by family, on July 22, 2025, in Moreno Valley, California. A devoted husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather, he will be remembered for being hardworking, easygoing, family-oriented, helpful, and generous. Bill leaves behind a legacy not only of accomplishments but of character.

He is survived by his beloved wife, Sandra Brown; his sister, Janet Conkerite; his brother, George Brown; his children, William Brown Jr. (Denise) and Joan Christman; grandchildren, Ashley Kaufman (Jonothan), Andre "AJ" Christman II (Britney), William "Trey" Brown III (Natalie), Brandon Brown (Sabrina), Jasmine Watson-Barr (Taylor), and Jeremy Watson (Tatiana); great-grandchildren, Chloe Brown, William Kaufman, Leia Brown, Nova Brown, Elliana Brown, Rylee Watson, Sophia Watson, and Ashton Dunlop; caregiver and friend, Britney May; and a host of nieces, nephews, and cousins who carry forward the values he instilled in them.

He was preceded in death by his parents, William and Charlotte Brown, and his daughter, Charlotte Elizabeth Brown.

May William "Bill" Brown's memory bring comfort to all who knew him and continue to inspire those whose lives he touched.