George James Brown

November 19, 1928 – November 14, 2010

George Brown peacefully passed away on November 14, 2010, in Houston, encircled by the love and devotion of his cherished family. Born November 19, 1928, in San Juan, Texas, Dad was preceded in death by his parents, Charles Austin and Emma Jane Brown, brothers Harry and Gordon, and sisters Bertha and Sylvia.

Survivors include the love of his life and saintly wife of 57 years, Dixie; devoted children and grandchildren, son Austin Brown of Austin; daughters Mary Cardwell (Benson Crowell) of Austin, Caroline Brown of Tulsa, and Dixiana Forrester of Houston; grandsons Hillary Cardwell of Bielefeld, Germany, George and Sam Forrester of Houston, and Mason Crowell of Austin; granddaughters Jasmine Tritico and Chelsea Pickett of Houston, Emily Cluck and Laura Holzer of Tulsa, and Elizabeth Crowell of Austin; and great-granddaughter Lauren Jimenez of Houston.

Dad’s journey began as a child of the Great Depression and son of farmers who taught him the value and virtue of hard work. After his parent’s lost the family ice plant business in the Rio Grande Valley, they moved to Kansas, Missouri and Colorado looking for a better life before returning to the Valley to farm. They were so poor they renovated and lived in a chicken coop until they could afford a place to live. Because they knew what it was like to struggle, they had great empathy for others going through the same plight and always reached out a helping hand to those in need, especially the Mexican workers who crossed the border looking for work. His parents would provide food, shelter and work for their families.

He learned to live with less and be grateful for what he had. Dad’s daily chores as a pre-teen and teen included milking the cows, separating the cream from the milk, slopping the hogs and feeding the chickens—all before he left for school each morning. After school and throughout the year, he plowed fields, planted crops and chopped cotton for his parents. Instead of a fast car, Dad rode a horse to high school.

Although his parents had less than an elementary education, they encouraged Dad to leave the farm and go to college. He was the first one of his family to earn a college degree. He was offered a full football scholarship to Arizona State University but chose to stay near his parents where he could help them. He graduated with a bachelor of business administration from Southwest Texas State University and it wasn’t too long before he began his career in the oil business.

Dad started out as a mud engineer and retired as an executive account representative for Dresser Industries. Dad’s career took his family to New Orleans; Rockport, Portland and Houston, Texas; Casper Wyoming; and Farmington, New Mexico. During the early years, he worked in the oil fields and was often gone more than two weeks at a time, leaving Mom to care for her four young children. His work led him to fly seaplanes to transport him to offshore drilling rigs. When daughter Mary was born, Dad was working offshore when a major storm rolled in. A helicopter was sent after him and in rough seas he had to climb a swinging ladder to the helicopter so he could be flown in to be with Mom. In Wyoming and New Mexico he braved subzero temperatures and blizzards to reach remote rigs, often on Indian Reservations.

There was no limit to the sacrifices Dad would make for his family and no limit to his generosity. When he and Mom were first married, they saved their money and their first big purchase was to buy his parents a house because they had never owned one and he never wanted them to be homeless again. He’s helped his children and grandchildren help themselves by supporting their education and career goals.

Dad was the greatest inspiration and role model for his family. He was the gold standard for honesty, devotion, generosity, responsibility and intellectual curiosity. He would often take the opposite side of an argument whether he believed it or not, just so his kids would consider all sides of an issue. Dad was a staunch supporter of civil rights and Hispanic causes, as well as those with disabilities. He was a proud 32nd degree Mason and Shriner, which deepened his spirituality and understanding of the world, as well as allowed him to give continuously to those less fortunate.

Dad was a fighter and a peacemaker. He would fight to the death for his beloved family, and make peace among us when we were fighting. He taught us about love and devotion, and insisted on honesty and compassion. Dad loved his life, his friends and having a good time. He was always planning for the next get-together or event, especially the meals. Sharing food was his way of sharing love. After each visit, he would always send food back with his kids and grandkids. He never wanted any of us to go hungry—and we never have.

There was no greater love than for his wife Dixie, and she for him. Theirs was a 57-year love affair. He adored and doted on her. When he broke his hip several years ago and through his final days, he apologized to her repeatedly for being a burden and being so grumpy. She has always been his angel on earth, and she served him devotedly and selflessly to his last breath.

Dad’s spirit and memories live on in everyone he has known or known of. Having him as a father was an honor and a privilege. Thanks for the good times, Dad.