Louis Richard Brill

Louis was predeceased by his parents, Ruth and Lois Brill, and by his devoted wife, Lynn Lyles Brill, whom he cherished and loved deeply. He is survived by his three daughters: Mary Ware Murchison; Margaret Murchison Borth, her husband, Dan Borth, and their sons Hardison and Hatch; and Jennie Brill Doumany and her husband, John Doumany. He is also survived by his brother, Jerry Brill, and his family.

Louis was born August 31, 1941, in Shreveport, Louisiana. He attended St. John's High School before enrolling at Louisiana Tech University where he was a member of the Kappa Alpha Order. In 1963, he graduated with a B.S. in accounting. After graduation, Louis joined the Army (he remained in the Army Reserves until 1979). Following active duty, Louis began his career as a CPA, joining the Houston firm of Ernst and Ernst—now Ernst and Young—becoming a partner in 1976. For 36 years, he enjoyed an association with that firm in Houston, Austin—where he served as Managing Partner—and, finally, in San Antonio, where he became Managing Partner of the firm's Central and South Texas Area. Over his many years at Ernst and Young, he earned the respect and admiration of his colleagues and clients.

While in Houston, Louis met Lynn Lyles and the two quickly fell in love. They were married on April 12, 1975, and enjoyed the busy life of raising two young daughters. In 1982, they added a daughter, Jennie, to their family. Despite his busy schedule, Louis was a devoted father who never missed a softball game or recital. He and Lynn raised their family to reflect and emulate their strong values and faith.

In 2002, Louis and Lynn moved back to Austin where Louis joined Temple-Inland Inc.; serving first as Vice-President and Controller and, subsequently, as Vice-President and Chief Accounting Officer, a position he held until his retirement in 2006. After his retirement, he remained affiliated with Temple-Inland as a consultant and served as a member of the Board of Directors of Forestar Group, Inc., from 2007 through his death.

Louis and Lynn always made a point to become actively involved in the community. In Austin, Louis served as President of the Board of Directors of the Paramount Theatre and President of The Austin Country Club. He and Lynn also served as chairpersons of Les Amis of Hospice. Louis was active in board or leadership roles in the Knights of the Symphony, Austin Heritage Society, and the Austin Lyric Opera. In San Antonio, he served as Vice-Chairman of the San Antonio Chamber of Commerce, President of the San Antonio Economic Development Foundation, Chair of San Antonio Executive Council, and in leadership roles with The United Way, The Plaza Club, Hospice San Antonio, KERA, the Cancer Center of San Antonio, and the San Antonio Symphony. At the time of his death, he was serving on the board of directors of Hospice Austin.

Louis loved to read, play golf, and travel. But, most of all, he was known to enjoy a glass of wine and good conversation surrounded by his family and many friends. Louis treasured his deep friendships with those from his youth, from his college days, from his long career, and with people he met along the way. While he excelled in business, he was, to those who knew him, a tender soul. He was kind and generous; possessed a great sense of humor; was fiercely loyal, loving, supportive, and incredibly strong. He cherished Lynn and tenderly cared for her during her long farewell with unfailing strength and courage. He was—and will continue to be—a role model for all whom he touched in his life. To his daughters, he was absolutely the greatest. Until the day he died, Louis was a dedicated, generous, and loving father. He was a splendid human being. He led by example and leaves a legacy that will endure forever.

Services will be held at Covenant Presbyterian Church, 3003 Northland Dr., on Wednesday, June 20, at three o'clock.

In lieu of flowers, those wishing to honor Louis' memory are invited to contribute to The Lynn and Louis R. Brill Endowed Scholarship Fund at Louisiana Tech University, care of the Louisiana Tech Foundation, P.O. Box 3183, Ruston, LA 71272; or to Hospice Austin, 4107 Spicewood Springs Road, Suite 100, Austin, Texas, 78759; or a charity of one's choice.