WILLIE FREEMAN BRAZIL

Willie Freeman Brazil, born April 3, 1932 in Sweet Home TX completed his earthly journey on May 19, 2023. He was the third child of Benjamin and Viola Grant Brazil. Willie accepted Christ as his personal Savior at an early age. He loved God, His work, His people and would tell anyone who had the time to listen. Jovial and extremely personable, he first presented a quiet demeanor that transitioned into a personality that could and would converse with anyone from all walks of life.

He graduated Asberry High School in the class of 1950; began his collegiate career first at St. Phillips College where he earned an Associates of Arts degree in Business. Upon graduation, Willie entered the United States Armed Forces where he became proficient in administrative skills that included computer operations and basic key punch functions. For eighteen months, following his military obligations, he attended Saint Mary's University to study Business Administration. He maintained a hope with strong educational expectations in giving back to the community that propelled him into higher education. He was very active in the Alumni Association for Asberry and served as Treasurer as he fostered a positive attitude toward learning and personal development.

Both education and military experience transferred to a long-lasting civil service career at Kelly Air Force Base, San Antonio TX. When he was duty officer with the Directorate of Materiel Management and became the Resource Management Division’s Employee of the Month; he was also recognized for his “extra efforts” to ensure security, energy conservation, and consistent oversight for system malfunctions. This and other dedication to excellence was always recognized by command superiors.

Perceiving the Lord's call into Christian service, Willie joined and faithfully served God with gladness of heart at the Greater Corinth Baptist Church in February 27, 1983, under the pastorate of Dr. David J. Winters. Immediately following class orientation, he became an avid student of God's Word through Sunday School and the Christian Growth Institute. Under the pastorate of Dr. Carl Johnson (Pastor Emeritus), he served his church family as an approved and bonded Church Trustee who helped guide the family in liquidating a $350,000.00 debt 13 years ahead of its maturity. He also worked during each Sunday worship expression with the Media and Sound Ministry to record the service for congregants who were sick and shut in.

His love for God's people continued to manifest itself through his love for cooking; that is, old fashioned, down home, cooking in which he used his grandmother's recipes. For 10 years, Willie was chief cook and bottle washer, without complaint, as the church provided showers, clean clothing, and hot meals for those who were less fortunate. This played a definitive role in evangelism as many came to visit and some received Christ as Lord and Savior. Even his biological family members made decisions about where to spend their holidays "IF" Uncle Willie would be cooking.

Willie was preceded in death by his parents Benjamin, Sr. and Viola Brazil; Brother Benjamin Brazil, Jr.; Sisters Alberta Johnson and Charles Etta Miller.

He leaves to cherish his memory: one brother: Charles Edward Brazil (Mary) of San Antonio, TX; two sisters: Shirley Taylor and Lillie Taylor (Donald) both of Seattle, WA and host of nieces, nephews, great and great-great nieces, nephews, dear friends and his church family.