Thurman Manual Brown, Jr, age 82 of San Antonio, Texas passed on Saturday, December 17, 2022 surrounded by his loving family. Thurman was the first born to parents Thurman Manual Brown, Sr. and German Zenoa Taylor Brown. Thurman was later joined by one brother Billie Don and one sister Norma Dell. Thurman was born in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. His parents moved to the Morris/Grayson area when he was 4 years old. Thurman was raised on a farm and he enjoyed the farm life. He was very active in the 4-H club. Thurman enjoyed entering, showing and winning prize ribbons for his calves that he show at the various county fairs.
Thurman attended Grayson Grade School and Morris High School. Thurman was the first black person to graduate from Morris High School. When he enrolled at Morris High School they asked if he wanted to play football and he stated that he did. They asked what position he wanted to play and he said he wanted to kick the ball. After that they nicknamed him punter, of course he never had a football career.
Thurman graduated in 1959, soon thereafter he enlisted in the United States Army. The Army was a good fit for Thurman. He loved to travel and had a chance to travel the world. He had tours of duty in Germany, Panama and Viet Nam. During his tour in Vietnam he served as combat medic with the 101st airborne division. He was a proud member of the (Alamo Eagles Chapter 101st Airborne Division Assn.). He had two tours of duty in Nam and God blessed him to return stateside without any injuries.
During his time in service he met the love of his life, Clora Jean Mincey, they were united in marriage on April 16, 1963. They were married for nearly 60 years until her death in March of 2022.They were blessed with three children, Kenneth, Kamala and Reginald Brown. Thurman loved being a father and family man. During his time in service he discovered bowling and had a love affair with bowling until a few months ago. He traveled all over the United States to different bowling tournaments. He bowled a perfect 300 more than once and was proud of the rings, watches, and money that he received. He was a faithful member of the TNBA Assn. and the Alamo chapter of USBC bowling leagues.
Thurman loved to take his family to Georgia to visit Clora’s family and to Oklahoma to visit his family. He knew all the highways and was an excellent map reader. He was Mr. GPS before GPS was in existence.
Thurman was full of life and never met a stranger, young or old. He was a very generous spirit and would gladly share whatever he had with anyone. Thurman reminded us that family and kin were about more than blood. Thurman was very good at adopting new family members especially in moments of need.
Thurman accepted Jesus as his Lord and Savior at a young age and was baptized in a farm pond in Hoffman, Oklahoma. Thurman had a heart of service and was very active at his church, Galilee Missionary Baptist Church under the leadership of Rev. Rickey Knighton. He was a faithful servant to God, his Pastor and his Church. He served as Chairman of the Deacon Board, Sunday School Teacher, and Financial Officer and wherever he was needed. He love to help his son, Rev. Kenneth Brown with the food pantry for his church.
We all know how he loved Dodge Ram trucks, (that was the only truck that should be on the road). He would always say that Texas is Dodge Country.
We will always think of Thurman when we hear someone say, “I love you” and we will respond with “I love you too”.
Thurman was preceded in death by his parents and his beloved wife Clora Jean. He is survived by his three children, Kenneth (Claudia) Brown, Kamala Brown, and Reginald (Renee) Brown, Brother Billie Brown of Tulsa, OK, sister Norma Dell (K. C.) Okmulgee, OK. 8 Grandchildren, 7 great grandchildren, and several nieces and nephews.
