William Charles Brownfield

March 29, 1930 - January 7, 2022

The Story of a Life Well Lived... On March 29, 1930 in a rural area of Louisiana, Ms. Bessie King welcomed her second born of her 4 children. His name was William Charles Brownfield and was so lovingly nicknamed “Dub” by his wife Naomi. His troops AKA Yardbirds referred to him as Drill Sargent Brownfield. He grew up in Mer Rouge, Louisiana, where he attended Morehouse Parish Training School from 1948 to 1951. During that time, he also played basketball and baseball which he so proudly bragged about. Upon graduation, he was drafted into the United States Army where he attended basic training in Camp Chaffee, Arkansas. As he continued his career, he served in three wars, spending eleven months in Korea, and a total of twenty -four months between two tours to Vietnam. He returned to Louisiana in 1954 and met the love of his life Naomi Chambers. They were married September 17, 1955 and created a blended family of 8 beautiful children. They traveled the world to places like Hawaii, Kansas, Germany, Fort Lewis and his final duty station was Fort Ord where he decided to retire after 22 years into his career and settled in Lakewood Washington where he is responsible for most if not all of our family from Lakewood to Seattle Residing in the great Northwest. William was Preceded in death by his brother, Lee Andrew Johnson, sister Clara Aldora Brownfield, mother Bessie King, father Abraham George Brownfield Sr, sons James C Smith, Tyrus Smith, and his loving wife of 66 years, Mrs. Naomi Brownfield. He leaves cherished memories to six children: Lonell Smith (Marion), Ray Smith (Ruth), Brenda Harris, Anne Hodges (Robert), Laura Smith, Sheryl Brownfield; his brother, Abraham George Brownfield Jr.; eighteen grandchildren; countless great and great-great grands; a host of nieces, nephews and many cherished friends that are more like family. Though sadly we will miss him, We shall meet again! “I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. Now there is in store for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will award to me on that day—and not only to me, but also to all who have longed for his appearing.” 2 Timothy 4:7-8 NIV