Charles Loren Brady, Jr. (“CL”), of League City, Texas, passed away peacefully at his home on Friday, August 9th, 2024, surrounded by his devoted family. He was 80 years old.

Born on January 23rd, 1944, in Houston, Texas, to Charles Loren Brady, Sr., and Dorothy Louise Brady, CL grew up embracing the values of honor, integrity, and kindness that would define his life. To all who knew him, CL was a gentle soul with a ready smile and an endless supply of jokes, forever quick to brighten a room or lighten a moment with laughter.

CL was deeply proud of his military service. Serving in the United States Air Force during the Vietnam War from 1964 to 1968, he wore his Vietnam veteran’s cap with pride, cherishing the recognition and camaraderie it brought. He often reminisced about his experiences, sharing stories with friends and strangers alike.

Family was the center of CL’s world. He delighted in taking his daughters and their friends on annual camping adventures to Garner State Park, where the tradition of “Brady Bunch” yellow tubes and riverside serenades became legendary among those lucky enough to join. His joy in gathering antiques from garage sales and lovingly restoring them was matched only by the joy he found in sharing the stories behind his treasured find. This included his collection of Buffalo Nickel belt buckles, which became his signature accessory and a favorite conversation piece.

CL’s journey to lifelong love began with a blind date—a serendipitous meeting with Peggy Ann Aycoth which soon led to a marriage proposal at Walter Hall Park in League City. CL asked Peggy “Do you think a Catholic and Baptist can marry?” Their 55-year marriage stood the test of time, as marriages with blended faiths in 1968 were not as widely accepted as they are today.

Before his years in the service, CL worked for an attorney in downtown Houston, who once offered to send him to law school. Yet, CL’s curiosity leaned toward archeology and history. Among the many anecdotes from his life, one stands out: CL was among the last to see President John F. Kennedy pass through downtown Houston, the day before the tragic events in Dallas.

After marrying Peggy, CL began a long career at IBM as a typewriter repair technician, where he was admired by coworkers and clients alike. Even after retiring, his love of people and community led him to join Eckerd Drugs (now CVS), where he worked for almost 30 years. His warm presence and genuine interest in everyone he met ensured that he was remembered fondly by customers and colleagues alike. To this day, his family is approached by those who recall his kindness and humor.

CL is preceded in death by his parents, Charles Loren Brady, Sr., and Dorothy Louise Brady and his granddaughter, Emma Louise Mellina. He is survived by his beloved wife of 55 years, Peggy Ann Brady; his daughters, Heather Shain (spouse David Shain, grandchildren Benjamin Shain and Gabby Shain) and Nicole Brady (grandchildren Christian and Ethan Mellina and Madeline McCrae).

CL’s legacy lives on in the laughter he inspired, the love he cultivated, and the stories—both grand and gentle—that he leaves behind. He will be deeply missed by all whose lives he touched.

A service to honor and celebrate CL’s life will be held at Crowder Funeral Home in League City, Texas, followed by interment at the National Cemetery in Houston, Texas, on October 17th, 2025.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to The Michael J. Fox Parkinson’s Foundation, at http://give.michaeljfox.org.