Mr. Willie Clayton Brye Sr. was born August 13, 1946, to Mr. Charlie Brye and Mrs. Charlotte Pleasant Horton-Brye in Evergreen, Alabama. On November 1, 2025, at 12:30 a.m., he peacefully transitioned to eternal life at his residence in Mobile, Alabama, surrounded by love, lying in the arms of his devoted wife, Centilla Craig- Brye. He was 79.
Mr. Brye honorably served his country in the United States Army as a Combat Engineer during the Vietnam War. He attained the rank of Specialist Four (SP4) and was proudly assigned to Bravo Company, 51st Engineer Combat Battalion, Third Army. Throughout his service, Specialist Brye demonstrated unwavering courage, discipline, and dedication to his fellow soldiers and his mission. His exemplary service earned him numerous military honors, including the National Defense Service Medal, Vietnam Campaign Medal, Vietnam Service Medal with Three Campaign Stars, Two Overseas Service Bars, Expert Badge (M-16), First Class Gunner (M-60), Marksman Badge (M-14), and Second Class (Hand Grenade).
Mr. Brye enjoyed a successful career as a machine operator at Kimberly-Clark (Scott) Paper Company, retiring on December 1, 2005, after 35 years of faithful service. Mr. Brye cherished life and the people around him. He was a devoted family man and an excellent father. His children – Kenyette “Yatti,” Berneice “Neicee,” Willette Sheri, and Willie, Jr., – describe him as “superman,” “best Dad,” and “best friend.” He loved family gatherings, especially cooking and being with his grandchildren, music, dancing, and cruising with his loving and devoted wife, Centilla, who God blessed him to marry June 13, 2022. Mr. Brye’s laughter, wisdom, and joy will forever echo in the hearts of those who knew him.
Brother Brye was a faithful member of Faith Baptist Church in Mobile, Alabama. He was preceded in death by three angel babies Tanya Banita Brye, Marcus Christopher Brye, and Willie Brye, his parents Mr. Charlie and Mrs. Charlotte Brye, his brothers Willie James (Novella) Horton, Robert (Lelia) Brye, Eugene (Marylon) Brye, and four sisters Lucille (Willie) Williams, Emma (James) Drakeford, Earsie L. (Charles) Malone, and Charlie Mae (Sandy) Wilson.
He leaves to cherish his memory his loving and devoted wife, Centilla Craig-Brye, their seven children, Kenyette (Jenae) Brye, Sr. of Pensacola, FL, Willie (Jamilla) Brye, Jr. of Enterprise, AL, Douglas Mosley II of Mobile, AL, Berneice (William) Hunter Guilford of Montgomery, AL, Willette (Tyrone) Brye Lamar of Pensacola, FL, Tawan Niles of Prichard, AL, and Sophia (Michael) Niles Baker of San, Antonio, TX, their 30 grandchildren and 10 great-grandchildren, his sister, Mrs. Buice (Willie) Brye (age 94) of Bronx, New York, and a host of nieces, nephews, relatives, and friends.
