Victor Earl Brown, Jr.

We lost a good one… may he Rest in Peace.

On June 28, 2024, at the ripe old age of 89 years and 3 days, Victor Earl Brown, Jr. (“Vic”), passed away peacefully at his home surrounded by his family. Vic was born in Luling, Texas, on June 25, l935, to Victor E. Brown and Joyce Jacobs Brown.  His mother, who passed away shortly after his birth, wished for him to be called “Dicky” – and to this day, that is how Luling friends and family refer to him.

Vic (“Dicky”) attended Luling High School where he excelled as a leader. He was elected President of his senior class, Co-Capt. of the football team, and President of the Future Farmers of America all during his senior year.  He also played basketball, ran track, was actively involved in FFA, and a member of the Student Council and the Thespian Club.  Dicky was also, perhaps, a bit of a prankster. Legend has it that he and a group of fellow students once hoisted a calf to the top of the high school building. When everyone arrived at school on Monday morning, the baby calf’s cries greeted the students below. Most who could confirm or deny this story are likely no longer with us, but he never denied it when asked by his children or grandchildren. He just grinned.

He hit the jackpot in high school when he met Sally Lou Few, the love of his life. According to Sally, they met when she went to his friend’s house and he answered the door. The friend was not home, but they sparked up a conversation. By the end of the conversation, he asked her for a date that night to the picture show at the Stanley Theatre in Luling. The rest, as they say, is history. They married on August 19, 1955 and their love affair continues to this day. 

After graduation he joined the National Guard and enrolled in college. He graduated from Southwest Texas State Teachers College (now Texas State University) and was offered a teaching and coaching position in Gonzales. He decided to “Come and Take It.”  During his time with the school district and involvement in sports, he also began filming under the Friday Night Lights with his friend, Verlin Witt. This continued for years as they traveled near and far, regardless of the weather, capturing film for the Apache football team and coaches.

His students and athletes loved him. Even in recent weeks, tales have been relayed to his family from some of his former students of how much they liked him and often stopped by to hang out, even when they weren’t in class. Sally recalled how a group of female students, in particular, would stop by their house on Saturday mornings to watch television!

As Vic and Sally’s family grew with the birth of their two children: Vicki (l956) and “Bruddy” (l959), Vic made the difficult decision to leave the classroom and students he loved in order to support his wife and children. He worked for many years as the Office Manager & Bookkeeper at Gonzales Cottonseed Oil and Manufacturing Company.  In the early 70’s he began a career in banking. Originally with the First National Bank of Gonzales, he later transitioned to American National Bank (now “Sage Capital Bank”) where he remained until his retirement several years ago. Many local residents often refer to him as “their banker.”

He did take a detour from banking in the early 80’s to join his best friend, Fletcher Johnson, as a sales rep at Johnson Oil Company.  Fletcher and Vic had originally met through their service in the National Guard and the two developed a keen friendship and mutual respect for one another that lasted a lifetime. They traveled together, had regular Friday night dinner dates with their wives, and often rode together to keep a watchful eye on Fletcher’s cattle when the river was rising and flooding was a possibility.

Vic and Sally built a life in this community and were involved in many local organizations. Vic was a member of the First Methodist Church. He served as a City Councilman, proudly walking door-to-door to meet every voter in his district. A former President of the Gonzales Chamber of Commerce and Agriculture, the Lions Club, he also served on the Gonzales County Tax Appraisal Board, the G.A.D.C Board, and the EMS Board over the years. He was once the recipient of the David B. Walshak Lifetime Achievement Award – a recognition particularly meaningful to him as he and David had worked closely together at the First National Bank for many years.

His favorite hobbies were fishing, golfing, and meticulously caring for his own yard until well into his late 70’s. He would not hire a lawn company, because no one could do it like he wanted it done. His reward to himself after hot summer’s day in the yard was a cold brew on the back patio.

He could often be found with his buddies (or his wife) playing a round of golf in Independence Park. He was a member and former President of the Gonzales Independence Golf Association. He enjoyed the camaraderie immensely – but was a constant critic of his own golf game. 

He loved fishing – anywhere, anytime. He had many fond memories of fishing, especially with his cousin Tommy Brown in Matagorda Bay. Just a few years ago, Vic and his son Bruddy, went out on a fishing charter in Matagorda with Cap’n Tom Brown – Tommy’s son.

Vic is survived by his wife of 68 years, Sally Brown, his daughter Vicki Brown Ainsworth (Price), son Victor Earl Brown, III (“Bruddy”) (Debby), brother Donald Earl Brown (Patricia), four grandchildren: Brooke Jackson (Quantaa), Tyler Brown (Lauren), Parker Ainsworth (Rachel), and Colin Ainsworth and five great grand-children: Brealyn Smith, Cavan Smith, Drake Jackson, Brady Brown, and Lyndon Ainsworth. We will forever love our “Papa” and remember the wisdom, integrity, and lessons he taught by way of example through his kindness, quick wit, warm smile, and loving hugs over the years. He was a courageous, amazing man - small in stature, but mighty until the end.

The family extends a special thanks to all of those involved in Vic’s care over the last many years. His doctors, Dr. William Craig and Dr. Commie Hisey; his caregivers: Susie Martinez, Natalie Eureste, Mary Rangel, Brandy DaSilva, Shelby Molina, and Andrea Smith; as well as the employees and volunteers who serve with the Gonzales Emergency Medical Services office.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the First Methodist Church of Gonzales, the Alzheimer’s Association (www.alz.org) or to the charity of one’s choice.

Visitation will be held from 5 to 7 pm, Tuesday, July 2, 2024, in Seydler-Hill Funeral Home.  Services will be held on Wednesday, July 3, 2024, and begin with a graveside service at the Luling City Cemetery at 10:00 a.m., followed by a Celebration of Life Service at the First Methodist Church in Gonzales at 11:00 a.m.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the First Methodist Church of Gonzales, the Alzheimer’s Association (www.alz.org) or to the charity of one’s choice. Friends may leave their condolences to the family by visiting www.seydlerhillfuneralhome.com.

Services are under the care and direction of Seydler-Hill Funeral Home.