Floyd Brown Sr.

Born to the late Jimmy and Willie B. Brown, Jr., Floyd grew up with the values of perseverance and service that would guide him throughout his life. A proud graduate of Opelousas Senior High School’s Class of 1975, he began working at just 14 years old, laboring in the fields and later spending time in Patterson with his uncles, where he first learned the meaning of community. Over the years, Floyd built a long and varied career—working at St. Mary Galvanize, driving trucks for IMCO and Francis Drilling Fluid, and serving as an expeditor, assembler, and truck driver for Cameron/Schlumberger for 23 years and he briefly stocked shelves at Walmart. Even after retiring, his work ethic never slowed; and he ultimately found joy driving buses for the St. Mary Parish School System, a role he held for four years until his passing.

In 2017, Floyd met the love of his life, Mary Riles—his “little wife,” as he affectionately called her. Though shy at first, he gathered the courage to ask for her number, beginning a beautiful partnership that led to their marriage on July 7, 2018. Floyd was a devoted father whose love extended far beyond biological ties. He cherished his children—Floyd “June Bug” Brown, Jr. (Shelly), Jason “Big Hunk” Brown, Sr. (Rhonda), Jamiri “Sticks” Jennings (Jerome “J-Rome”), and Mary Jane “MJ” Brown—and he delighted in giving each of them, and nearly everyone he met, a nickname. To his children and their spouses, he bestowed titles like “Honorable sons 1 and 2,” “Honorable daughter,” “Daughter by another father,” and “Romeo,” reflecting his humor and his unique way of making people feel seen. He also embraced his stepchildren—Unika, Jecory, and Lendell Riles—and lovingly raised Jamal “Snuck-a-Buck” Harvey, Sr. and Malik “Two” Garrett as his own. Floyd will also leave to cherish many memories, his siblings; Patrick Brown (Betty) of Patterson, LA, Robert Brown Sr. (Serena) of Houston, TX and Bertha Robertson (Ronnie) of Lafayette, LA and an uncle, Merrick Brown Sr.,

To the world, Floyd was “Pops,” a title earned through love, mentorship, and presence. With 28 grandchildren, 11 great-grandchildren, and countless others he helped raise, he often joked that he had 50 children—and in his heart, he truly did. His family circle extended to his cousins and lifelong best friends, Joe Jackson and Michael Roberts, who were raised alongside him like brothers.

A devoted servant of God, Floyd was ordained as a minister at Good Hope Baptist Church in 2023. He poured himself into every aspect of church life—maintenance, events, outreach, and anything else that needed doing. His faith was active, joyful, and lived out loud. He ministered to everyone he encountered, whether from the pulpit, in the gym, or on the basketball court.

For more than 50 years, Floyd was known throughout Patterson as “Coach Floyd,” a dedicated Biddy Basketball coach who shaped the lives of countless young people. He trained his children and their teammates tirelessly, even holding a key to the Patterson Junior High School gym so he could open it for practice whenever needed. His hobbies—working out, coaching, and playing with his youngest daughter—were all rooted in the same passion: pouring love, discipline, and encouragement into others.

Floyd will be remembered for his booming laugh, his endless jokes, and his signature catchphrases—“Come see, come sa,” “How ya be,” and “I’m marvelous”—expressions that perfectly captured his joyful spirit. He lived with purpose, served with humility, and loved with a fullness that left no one untouched.

He is preceded in death by his parents; his paternal grandparents, Jimmy and Wilda Brown, Sr.; and his maternal grandparents, Robert and Albertha Roberts.

Serving as active pallbearers are Floyd Brown, Jr., Jamal Harvey, Sr., Robert Brown, Jr., Joseph Randell Jr., Juelz Brown,Shaquille Ruffin and Michael Prater, Jr. Honorary pallbearers include Jason Brown, Sr., Jerome Jennings, Jr., Calob Brown, Anthony Brown, Robert Brown, Sr., Patrick Brown, Ronnie Robertson, Jaquille Ruffin Sr. and Malik Garrett.

Floyd “Rap” Ray Brown, Sr. lived a life of service, laughter, and unwavering love. His impact will echo through the many lives he shaped, the families he strengthened, and the community he uplifted. His legacy is one of faith, generosity, and joy—and it will continue to shine through every person blessed to have known him.

A visitation will be held on December 27, 2025, from 9:00 am to 11:00 am at Good Hope Baptist Church, located at 908 Washington St, Patterson, LA, 70392. The funeral service will follow at the same location, beginning at 11:00 am.

Burial will take place on December 27, 2025, at New Salem Cemetery in Patterson, Louisiana.