I think Mr. Brawn came to Clifton High School, Clifton Texas in about 1957 when I was in the band in the 7th grade. He was a great band director and teacher. I'll always remember marching and playing a version of the 1812 Overture. Besides the concert-marching band, we had a stage jazz band and I had a group called Dave's Dixie 6. Mr. Brawn came to our 50 year class reunion in the fall of 2013. He made an incredible speech and to this day regret not recording it. I was so glad I got to talk with him at the reunion after 50 years!

Bill always acknowledged my arrival at rehearsals with some kind of humorous remark.  It helped break the ice often. He had a joke about a famous conductor who warned other orchestra leaders 'not to look at the trombone players... it only encourages them.' That was  a good one.  A very solid and consistent group member with an upbeat demeanor.

I am so sorry for your loss, Bill was a great man, a great teacher, and a devoted husband. I remember him being profoundly devoted to his band students in the morning, and his wife at home afterwards, in 2004.  He was one of the most profound musicians that helped shape who I am as a musician and as a teacher today. I fondly remember back to 6th grade band when he was quite the hardass, much to the disdain of the other kids. But it was for our own good, and not our feelings. Bill taught with pedagogically sound ideas that always had a purpose and were to always make the student a better musician. I will always remember him pulling up to school in his burnt orange convertible Pontiac Firebird, and later, a red convertible Cadillac XLR, both with fuzzy white seats!  He often gave me some of my first lessons on bass trombone and gave me quite the repertory of music to listen to when I would leave his house after. Let’s not forget him wearing a Santa hat with his snowy white beard at the Christmas concerts directing the jazz band and 6th grade band. I remember one of the first pieces we learned in 6th grade band was “The Tempest” To this day, I still program it and tell stories of how he taught it to us. And the F# in 5th position that us trombones had to learn! I still reflect on a quote he would mention often, “Practice doesn’t make perfect, perfect practice makes perfect.” I hope one day I can be as great of a teacher as you were Bill! Rest easy.

Bill was the best neighbor I've ever had!  He was kind, generous, and such a pleasure to spend time with. We developed a friendship that I will treasure forever. Occasionally, he and I would dig up sweet potatoes in his backyard - he knew how much I love to eat sweet potatoes and was always so pleased to share his delicious veggies with me. We dug up this huge sweet potato one day and were surprised at how much it looked like a duck!  Bill and Gustav were quite proud and appreciative of their harvest that day, and both posed for this photo op. I'm so blessed to have known this wonderful gentlemen who amazed me every day with his dedication to the Lord, his energy and his humor. 
Rest in peace my precious friend. I will miss you dearly.  ❤️

Mr. Brawn had the greatest influence on me of any teacher, professor, or mentor I ever had. No doubt, hundreds of others can say the same.  Among the principles he instilled into us was: it's not enough to WANT to be the best... you have to be willing to do the WORK. 
I pray the family finds peace in knowing Mr. Brawn had such a meaningful impact on so many.  Our very own real-life "Mr. Holland".

I have very fond memories of Mr. Brawn as an assistant band director when I was in high school years ago. He always had the best smile and laugh and truly was gifted in helping kids enjoy learning a new instrument. I’m sorry to hear of his passing. Susie Davis, former student

Mr. Brawn was truly a great man and an amazing influence on countless people in his life. During my short time under his direction, he convinced me to switch to French Horn (which I never mastered but thoroughly enjoyed) and taught me what off beats were, just in time for concert season.

I never saw him again after leaving Dobie but he was my favorite teacher and a strong influence during a troubled period in my life. I’d catch glimpses of his success through others and was always proud to see his achievements.

He will be missed. To the family, please accept my heartfelt condolences.

billy & i grew up about 200 yards from each other. he & i graduated from ROBERT E. LEE high school in 1952. he was a fun guy to be around.  frank tucker, katy texas.

Mr. Brawn  impacted my life and many lives with his amazing example, experience, knowledge and passion of music and how to live life. One of my favorite memories of him was early in my years at Dobie H S (1979 - 1983).  I was outside waiting to be picked up after marching  band practice and did not know that Mr. Brawn was out there when I did some thing and said out loud “Jesus Christ” and I heard him say “yes my child”...... that was him in a nut shell.  Thank you for everything......

Mr. Brawn was very consistent with us and provided great structure and a sense of accomplishment for many of us. His firm yet patient approach was filled and balanced with compassion and drive to be the best.

2019 Dobie Hall of Honor ceremony with Dobie band alumni was a great moment to see generations of us that adored Mr. Brawn

I was a member of the JFD marching & concerts bands from 1977-1981 & greatly respected Mr Brawn for his mentorship & character, so I grieve with his passing but Rejoice that he knew - Knows! - Jesus Christ as his Lord & Savior! Joe Glenn Smith (trumpet), Houston

Great mentor to hundreds of youth. 
This man lead the way in many of our lives as we navigated high school. 
Thank God for his presence in our lives. 

Stan Olivier

OBITUARY

Billy D. Brawn

March 11, 1934 – September 14, 2023

Earthman Resthaven Funeral Home & Cemetery

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