Charles Eugene Brazil

Charles Eugene Brazil was born on June 7, 1934, in Jacksonville, Texas, to Andrew and Elsie Brazil. Much of his childhood was spent playing sports in the backyard with his older brother, A. J., which fostered his love of athletics from an early age. His parents were active members at Central Baptist Church, where Charlie accepted Christ as his savior and was baptized in 1940 at the age of 6. He lettered in four sports at Jacksonville High School: football, basketball, tennis, and track. After high school, he was awarded a football and basketball scholarship to Ranger Junior College in Ranger, Texas. There, he won the Jimmy Crowley Award in 1953 for athletics, citizenship, and scholarship. He then went on to receive a full football scholarship to Stephen F. Austin State University in Nacogdoches, Texas. During his time at SFA, Charlie was president of the Baptist Student Union and consistently shared his faith in Christ on the college campus. In 1956, he was awarded Mr. SFA as a senior for scholarship, leadership, and service. He graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Education and Master of Education in Administration.

Charlie met the love of his life, Mary Lue Biddy, at the Baptist Student Union at SFA. They married on December 23, 1956. As newlyweds, they were both recruited by Glen White to teach in Pasadena ISD. In his early years as an educator, Charlie taught P.E. at Golden Acres Elementary and coached and taught history at Jackson Intermediate School. He then went on to serve as a coach, history teacher, and later an Assistant Principal at Furr High School. For the remainder of his career, he served as Principal at C. E. King High School, followed by Assistant Superintendent of Personnel in Sheldon ISD.

As a young couple, Charlie and Mary Lue joined Golden Acres Baptist Church, where Charlie served as a part-time youth director. He was a Sunday School teacher for 64 years and a deacon for 63 years. They raised their children, Donna, John, and Brian, to be followers of Christ and active members of their church at GABC. Charlie served Christ faithfully, loved others genuinely, and was the ultimate definition of an encourager. He was passionate about his faith and family, and his legacy will continue through each life he impacted.

Charlie is preceded in death by his wife, Mary Lue Brazil, and his son, Brian Brazil. He is survived by his daughter, Donna Jackson, and husband Jeff, his son John Charles Brazil and wife Laura, and daughter-in-law Birdie Brazil. Charlie’s grandchildren include John Michael Brazil and wife Kristen; Darren Brazil; Melissa Taylor and husband Aaron; Allison Cavazos and husband Josh; Charlie Jackson; Mary Lindsey and husband Jacob; Danielle Mitchem and husband Tyler; Gabrielle Brazil; David Brazil and wife Lexie. His nine great grandchildren include Abigail Brazil, Eden Taylor, Owen Taylor, Meleah Taylor, Caleb Taylor, Claire Cavazos, Jonah Cavazos, Logan Mitchem, and Maverick Mitchem.

In lieu of flowers, please consider making contributions in Charlie’s name to Compassion International or New Day Pasadena for preschool and youth programs.

A visitation for Charles will be held Friday, August 2, 2024 from 5:00 PM to 7:30 PM at New Day Church - Pasadena, 2812 Pansy St, Pasadena, TX 77503. A celebration of life will occur Saturday, August 3, 2024 at 11:00 AM, 2812 Pansy St, Pasadena, TX 77503. An interment will occur Saturday, August 3, 2024 at 1:00 PM at Grand View Funeral Home & Memorial Park/Bethany Cemetery, 8501 Spencer Hwy, Pasadena, TX 77505.