Some people just know how to live, Phonzell Brown – the handsome, stylish, witty guy with a slow grin – spent 85 years showing how it's done.

Born in Calvert, Texas to Ferguson and Velma Brown, he was raised by his grandparents, Will and Ada Brown on their family farm with his brother, Sonny, his two cousins, Ada and Larry and his beloved aunt, Juanita Brown Johnson and uncle, Shug. On the family farm, he learned to grow vegetables, tend livestock, hunt, fish, the value of family and friends, and a good work ethic.

In 1979, he married his current wife, Shirley Brown. They opened their home to help raise their children and grandchildren. Phonzell loved his children and grandchildren with a generous spirit. He was a fun-loving "Paw Paw" who was actively involved in the lives of his grand and great-grandchildren.

Phonzell graduated from W.D. Spinner High School where he played football. The skills he learned on the football field served him well for decades as a supervisor and proud union man at Johnson Controls. Phonzell showed up and did the work. But ask anyone who really knew him, and they will tell you: Phonzell's genius was everything else.

The man could cook! We're talking PitMaster level. His mouthwatering ribs and brisket became the standard against which all others were judged. His freezer told its own story, always stocked with catfish he caught himself. Whether casting a line, solving word puzzles, managing his football board, or dealing cards with smooth confidence, Phonzell brought complete presence to everything he did.

You could find Phonzell under his favorite tree or at the park, surrounded by friends of various ages. His gift for multi-generational friendships wasn't something he worked at-it was just who he was. He regarded people. Really saw them. Made room for them. That gaming spot he hosted. People came for the games but stayed for the community, for the feeling that in Phonzell's space, you belonged. Lately, you could find him watching westerns and YouTube cooking shows and all things sports, especially the "We dem boys" Dallas Cowboys. His curious nature led him to learn to use his tablet and various ways of communication from texting to social media. His sense of humor was generous-funny without being mean, the kind of wit that made you laugh with him and think about the joke hours later.

Right up until the end, Phonzell Brown was engaged with life – still managing his business, stocking that freezer, still making the world warmer just by moving through it. He lived fully until he couldn't anymore, which is maybe the greatest lesson he leaves behind. He learned that the best things in life require patience and care. The tree where he used to hold court stands a little lonelier now. The card table's quieter. But the friendships, the family bonds, the bridges, the lessons in how to show up for life – those things Phonzell built to last.

Phonzell was preceded in death by his parents, Ferguson Brown and Velma Brown; and his beloved sons, Antonous Brown, Christopher Brown, Demond Brown and Edmund Chukwu, II.

He leaves to cherish his memory his devoted wife Shirley of 46 years; two daughters, Edith Brown of St. Paul, Minnesota, and Veronica Chukwu (Eddy) of Garland, Texas; and three sons, Timothy Crow of Garland, Texas, Tracy Derrick (Vanglia) of Mesquite, Texas, and Phonzell Brown, Jr. (Rhonda) of Dallas, Texas; twenty-one grandchildren; thirty-six great -grandchildren; and two great-great-grandchildren.

He is also survived by one brother, Willie Ferguson "Sonny" Brown of Garland, Texas; one sister, Vergie Collins of Midland, Texas; and a host of loving nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends who will forever treasure his memory.

Phonzell Brown will be remembered for his love of family, his strength, and the legacy of love he leaves behind. His memory will live on in the hearts of all who knew and loved him. Rest well Pitmaster, the ribs were perfect, the life was full, and the legacy secure.