Roy Dalton Brown Obituary (1944 - 2022)

The Earth stood still, and a hole in the universe opened on April 5th, 2022 as the spirit and soul of this legend of a man left the world. Roy Brown was a native Houstonian who spent most of his life living in the Houston area with few exceptions. He grew up as one of six kids and was never one to leave anyone bored. One of his favorite pranks was to put an Alka-Seltzer in his mouth and ride his bicycle down the road foaming at the mouth and pretending he was rabid (Alka-Seltzer in the ink well only worked once, especially since he got caught.). His first move from his hometown was when he proudly served his country by joining the United States Navy. Roy served 1962-1966 as an electrician aboard the USS Kearsarge CV-33. Only Roy Brown could be onboard while John Wayne filmed a movie, retrieve a space capsule, cross the equator, AND be invited to the Officer's Lounge while they watched the televised Mohammed Ali fight because, "wouldn't it be a shame if a fuse blew during the fight?". As his service came to an end, Roy was given this insight, "I am supposed to encourage you to re-enlist, but you REALLY do not like taking orders". If you know, YOU KNOW. Continuing his "Only Roy Brown Could" experience, he did indeed leave the service and continued as an electrician by working for his stepfather's company with the Electrician Journeyman Card, which his mother had to mail him aboard ship. It was not long before he happened into a local convenience store with a co-worker, and his whole life changed. He didn't need anything, but he was told "There is something you GOTTA see." And there she was.....the most beautiful girl he, and most people, had ever seen. The girl he would spend the next 55 years referring to as "My Bride" and, even at 77 years of age, would say, "I just have a crush on her." Yep, he got the girl, as only Roy Brown could. Roy and Dianne eloped May 29, 1967, six months after they met (with a three-month gap between their first and second date!). In 1971, they received an unexpected Christmas present in the form of their first child, Warren, who would later follow in his father's electrician footsteps. January 1, 1974, Houston-Stafford Electric (HSE) was established, and EXACTLY nine months later, their daughter, Samantha arrived. Say it with me...Only Roy Brown Could. Roy parlayed that Electrician Journeyman Card into multiple Master Electrician Licenses and would become best known as the owner of HSE. Not having a formal college education, he believed in honest hard work and respected a gentleman's handshake agreement above any legal contract. He wore jeans and boots every day, would be out sweeping the warehouse if it had not been done, and detested the phrase, "That's not my job." The phrase he did believe in was, "Your attitude is your life," and he lived this one every day. Every. Single. Day. He treated people fairly and generously, gave credit where credit was due, and earned the continued respect of employees, customers, and vendors alike. And, while not having that college degree, and wearing those jeans and boots every day, he was a great businessman who loved the art of the deal more than any amount of money. Roy also enjoyed his ranches. He, Dianne, Warren, and Samantha spent most weekends at one ranch or another, and he often came up with his most creative deals while on his tractor. He truly loved working the ranches and spending time with his family. His second, and last, move from the Houston area was 1982 -1984 when he and the family moved to Lockhart, Texas. At a time when construction was a struggle in Houston, Roy commuted between Lockhart and Houston to continue successfully running HSE, but also made sure he was always home for weekends and Family Day Wednesdays, which were not to be missed. Only Roy Brown Could... Roy did indeed move his family back to the Houston area, where he continued to succeed in both business and life. With his kids grown, he accepted an offer and sold HSE. As the deal moved forward, the company prepared for the change to boards and stockholders. And just like that, the world had this electrician, more comfortable in his jeans and on his tractor, ringing the Opening Bell on Wall Street. And while many people, dream of such an opportunity, he first asked if his bride could do it since she helped him build the company. While disappointed the answer was no, he did realize the significance of the moment. Only Roy Brown Could... After leaving HSE, never a man to want retirement or to sit idle, Roy opened other successful companies to invest in and build. Most people will always remember him as the owner of HSE, and he was proud of the company he built, but he was so, SO much more. He was a mentor, a friend, a jokester, a good 'ol boy, an inspiration, and a thousand other things. But, most importantly, he was a husband, a father, and a grandfather. Dianne, his bride and life-long crush, was his everything. He loved waking up before the sun to drive around, Dianne by his side. He loved riding his ranch, Dianne by his side. All he wanted, was Dianne by his side. He never missed a birthday, anniversary, or holiday, and he was the king of sending flowers "just because". He made sure she was always celebrated and put immense thought into gifts, even if it did leave him trying to figure out where the diamond ring he snuck into her wine glass would land as she swirled it over a hotel balcony. He treasured and loved her as... Only Roy Brown Could ... To say he was an amazing father, would be the greatest of understatements. He was the best. Always making sure Warren and Samantha had everything they needed, he worked long and hard, but he also played hard. He impressed upon them the importance of a good attitude, hard work, being your own boss, your word is your bond, and to enjoy life. Not many kids get to grow up going to ranches every weekend, playing Rat Patrol through pastures, and being challenged to see who can eat the most junk food (but don't tell Mom!). He was beyond proud of the man he saw Warren become, the company he started, and the family he has. His Daddy's Girl, Samantha, knew how much he loved her every single day, and that he especially loved the bond she has with her own children. Roy first became a grandfather twenty-two years ago, and he could not get enough of any of his grandchildren. He adored and doted on each and every one of them, making every birthday, holiday, and as many games, recitals, graduations, and events as he could. He loved having as much of his family as possible around at any given time, and he could often be heard saying he wished they all lived at the ranch. Roy Dalton Brown was a brilliant entrepreneur, but more than that, he was a great man who impacted and changed more lives than he ever realized. Humble and soft-spoken, he left a legacy in the lives and generations that will forever be changed because of him, and a world that will forever be changed without him. He lived his life as... Only Roy Brown Could. The family invites all who were fortunate enough to have their lives touched by Roy to join them for a Memorial Service followed by a celebration of this legendary man.