Wilhelm James “Billy” Brown

Wilhelm James “Billy” Brown passed away on April 28, 2025, at the age of 85. He was a graduate of Thomas Jefferson High School; he proudly served his country enlisting in the United States Army; he worked for the National Asbestos Local #22 as an insulator and retired after many years of service.

Billy lived a life full of fun and adventure. He was an avid sportsman. One of the best! He loved fishing and hunting. He could be seen fishing anywhere, anytime and he never left home without a rod and reel in the bed of his truck. He would fish anywhere he could find water. The last few years of his life, he could be found spending time with his dear friend, Ronnie LeBlanc. The spent their days riding, fishing, having lunch and telling each other stories. They could often be found at Port Neches Park watching the ships travel the Neches River while they ate their ice cream cones. They are together again.

Deer season slowed down the fishing season. Billy would go to his camp in Wiergate and spend most of his time hunting, riding the trails on his four-wheeler, and cutting trees for firewood. His nights were spent by the fire listening to loud music and cooking. He would come home long enough to say hi and he would be gone again. He was in his happy place.

His biggest love was dancing. He danced from the days of high school and that love only continued to grow and only ended when his health failed. He danced somewhere every night. He met Lynn at a dance and the last seventeen years were spent dancing together. They made many happy times and memories. Their time together was a testament to the bond they shared with each other. Besides dancing, she learned to fish and spent many days at the deer camp with him.

Billy was a friend to everyone that knew him, and he touched their lives in many ways. He was known for his sense of humor and his contagious laugh. His life will be celebrated by those that had the honor to have known him.

Billy was the son of Hilliard and Nora Nacol Brown, both of whom preceded him in death. He also had two older sisters, Gertrude “Trudy” and Madelyn.

Billy is survived by his wife, Lynn Riley; step children, Cheri Riley, Jeff Riley, and Debbie LaLonde; step grandchildren, Jadin Riley and his wife, Macee Lyn; Roxy Riley; Izzy Riley; Rachel Landers and her husband, Don; Levi Church; Kris LaLonde; and Skylar Church; and step great-grandchildren, Zaydin Riley and Brooks Riley.

A gathering of Mr. Brown’s family and friends will be from 5:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m., Thursday, May 8, 2025, at Broussard’s, 505 North 12^th Street, Nederland. His cremation arrangements will be handled through Broussard’s Crematorium, Beaumont.