Paul William Brown's Obituary
Paul William Brown, 88, of Memphis, TN, passed away peacefully on January 9, 2022.
Paul was born on July 5, 1933, to Kenneth Harold Brown and Helen Gertrude McCullough Brown in Washington, IN. Shortly after his birth the family moved to Tyler, TX, and later to New Orleans, where he attended high school at Warren Easton. He was active in several bands, playing oboe, flute, and piccolo.
Paul was an excellent musician and even considered a professional music career before deciding to attend LSU, where he graduated with a degree in marketing. Anticipating that military service might be required for the Korean War, he enrolled in Army ROTC at LSU. Just before his senior year, he met the love of his life, Marjorie Jane Clark. After their graduation, they married and began their 65 years together in the military at Fort Knox. Paul was a Captain in the 3rd armored division when he was honorably discharged.
Paul and Marjorie then moved to Memphis, where he graduated first in the inaugural class of Memphis State University’s Cecil C. Humphreys School of Law.
As a Christ follower who was also a real-estate attorney, Paul used his talents to bless people. He loved his clients, considering them to be like family. For over 50 years, he used his legal skills to fight for the underdog, to defend widows and orphans, to help small businesses get their own properties, and to help families purchase their first homes, last homes, and all the homes in between.
Paul served as an officer and director of the Memphis & Shelby County Center City Revenue Finance Commission (CCRFC) for 25 years, being appointed by three different county mayors. His most significant act with the CCRFC was signing the $72 million loan to build AutoZone Park.
Paul was an active member of Second Presbyterian Church since 1963. He was a member of the Jeb Russell Sunday School class, served on numerous committees, and was a Deacon. For the last 30 years, he and Marjorie had spent almost every Friday night working with KnightLife, a ministry for youth from Sheffield High School and the surrounding areas. He loved the kids and treated them as family, often purchasing computers for the ones who were going to college and even driving some of them to their out-of-state campuses.
Anyone who knew Paul knows that he was the most loving father and husband a family could ask for. He would rearrange his work schedule to participate in many activities with his children: teaching them how to grill, do home improvement projects, and how to go to Sears Roebuck on Saturday mornings. He was a successful girls’ basketball coach, and became a Boy Scout leader, camping out every month and eventually earning the District Award of Merit.
He was a lifelong supporter and fan of both his Tiger alma maters – the LSU Tigers and the Memphis Tigers.
Paul was predeceased by his wife, Marjorie, his grandson, David (DB) Brown, and his son-in-law, Robert Rosas. He is survived by his daughter, Margaret Rosas; his son, Harold (Susan) Brown; and his granddaughter, Anna Brown.
In lieu of flowers, the family request that tax-deductible donations be made to: G.A.N.G., Inc. (Gospel at New Generation), 9001 Waconda Ct. Chattanooga, TN, 37416.
Visitation will be at 10:30 am, January 24, at Second Presbyterian Church (Salmon Room) followed by a service at Noon in the Chapel. Following the service, there will be a graveside ceremony at Memorial Park, open to family and friends.
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