Paul Morris Brown Jr., also known as June to family and P.M. to friends, was truly a Drum Major for Recovery. For nearly 22 years he committed his life to helping many men and women, young and old, in learning to live a new life, clean and sober from the use of drugs and alcohol. Although Paul was known to engage in long conversations with friends, discussing theories about recovery, of greater importance, Paul took action helping others. Yes, Paul shared vital information about letting God be the head of one’s life, but of greater weight, he practiced what he preached.
Under the direct motivation of God’s Spirit, Paul freely gave time, energy, rides, food, snacks, spiritual literature, recovery coins and money with a seemingly endless passion. People who really knew Paul, knew he was a channel for money. He was either getting it or giving it away. He poured his life into uplifting what he called “despairing spirits.”
Paul would let many people know that they were on his prayer list. His words “I’ve been praying for you,” still echo in many hearts today and he would tell his friends (at the Baden Facility), who was “first out” on the list. He was a gift from God and truly a gift that gave all the way to the end. As the saying goes, “Give a man a fish and he will eat for a day, but teach a man to fish and he will eat for a lifetime,” Paul gave and he gave… and he gave and he gave. And in doing so, Paul taught us to give lovingly and unconditionally to one another, which is actually God’s desire for us all.
Paul was witnessed to be an intensely committed family man, introducing them to his recovery friends. He especially invited his father and son (Skipper) to many of his recovery gatherings and would take recovery friends to church where his brother Al was the Pastor or share spiritual literature he received from his sister Paulette with others. Paul would also host card parties bringing people, from all walks of life, together. Paul worked diligently to provide experience, strength and hope to those in need of recovery while maintaining loving relations with his family. He was proud of his personal recovery and sought every day to share this hope and way with anyone he encountered. Paul, as noted by one friend was a “distinguished gentleman,” choosing many days to wear a shirt and tie. And although he was a retired Railroader, Paul seemed to be on the job for God every day. He remained on his post until the very end. He completed the race and kept the faith!
So to the entire Brown Family, we the recovery friends (especially at the Baden Facility) of P.M. Brown Jr., give thanks to God and to you all for supporting Paul’s efforts. And although a few names are listed here, please know that Paul touched and positively affected many lives with words and actions. So to the family of Mr. P.M. Brown Jr., especially his father Mr. P.M. Brown Sr., his siblings and his children we say thanks once more and as P.M. use to say, “May God Bless and Keep You!” From Friends of P.M. in celebration of his Home Going on May 31, 2013.