Mr. Samuel Brown III

***A WALK-THROUGH VISITATION ON FRIDAY, MAY 10, 2024, AND A CELEBRATION OF LIFE MEMORIAL SERVICE ON SATURDAY, MAY 11, 2024, WILL BE HELD FOR MR. SAMUEL BROWN III ****NOTE: PLEASE SEE LOCATION & TIMES FOR FRIDAY, MAY 10, 2024 & SATURDAY, MAY 11, 2024, LISTED BELOW ****MASKS ARE WORN OPTIONAL AT THE MEMORIAL SERVICE. HAND SANITIZER WILL BE PROVIDED AT THE DOOR. _________________________________________ The Obituary Samuel Brown III, beloved husband, father, grandfather, brother, and friend passed away at home on May 2nd, 2024. He was 53 years old. Samuel Brown III was born on April 16th, 1971, in Vicksburg, Mississippi. His family relocated to Three Rivers, Michigan, while Sam was a small child. Sam was a gifted athlete and a loving family man with an infectious smile. To say Sam excelled at sports would be an understatement. As a child, Sam played on the Jr. Pro teams at Three Rivers Community School. As a Wildcat, Sam played three sports: track, football, and, of course, basketball. In track, he ran the 100-meter dash, 200-meter dash, and would even run the 400 when the team needed some extra speed; he also was a member of the relay team. He ran the 100m in 10.5 seconds, which made him the perfect person for returning punts on the football team as well as being a wide receiver. He played at the top level in all three sports, and holds records, both individual and team, that are still standing today. While he thrived in football and track, basketball was his true love. Sam played varsity basketball and started as a freshman. He would soon become the undisputed leader of his team. Unlike most point guards of his era, Sam was a shooter. He seemed to be able to score at will. Over his career at Three Rivers High School, there were nights when he would score over 40 points, averaging over 20 points a game. Sam’s competitive spirit was well known, not only in Three Rivers but in the Wolverine conference and across the state of Michigan. He was known to declare, "They can’t stop me," and would have his best nights against the best players and teams. Sam led the 1989-1990 Wildcats to the Michigan Final Four, under the coaching of Mr. Konwinski. This remarkable team, having lost only two games that season, has earned a place in the Three Rivers Hall of Fame. Additionally, Sam has been honored with individual induction into the Hall of Fame. He was a member of the Michigan All Star team, a Michigan Top Scorer, and an All-American, along with many other accolades. Sam went on to play collegiate basketball at Northeastern Oklahoma and Ohio University. While Sam loved his sports career, he loved his family life even more. Sam married Gervine on July 10th, 1998. They have four sons: Corry, Samuel IV, Joseph (Lauren), and Tyler. He cherished the time he spent with his family, joking, teasing, and challenging his sons. Among their cherished moments together, Sam and Gervine renewed their marriage vows in Las Vegas on their 20th anniversary and delighted in spontaneous weekday lunches. They also loved to travel together, especially to Hawaii and Las Vegas. Competitive game nights were his favorite; he was always ready to win playing cards or at family bowling nights. He liked watching sports, playing poker, and was a huge foodie, who especially enjoyed a good bowl of popcorn. Sam worked at American Axle for over 14 years. He was also a volunteer coach for football and track. Sam was preceded in death by his parents, Mary Etta Brown and Charles McNary, and his birth dad, Samuel J. Brown II. He leaves to mourn and is survived by his wife, sons, and grandchildren: Kanan Hayes Brown, Carter James Brown, and Keanu King Brown, his mother-in law, Electa Everett, and step-siblings: Charles Jr., Mark, Timothy, and Kathie McNary. He is also survived by his loving aunts: Mrs. Pearlia (Grover) Rankin, Ms. Barbara Brown, and Mrs. Debadee (Vernon) Bozeman of Port Gibson, Mississippi, as well as his uncle, Ellision (Ylinda) Brown of Vicksburg, Mississippi, and a host of other family members and close friends

Mr. Samuel Brown III

April 16, 1971 - May 2, 2024