William Brown

William Griffin Brown Jr., a beloved husband, father, and cherished community member, passed away on December 27, 2025, in Junction City, Kansas at the age of 66. He was born on February 21, 1959, in Mobile, Alabama. William lived a life rich in service and love, marked by his commitment to both his family and his country.

A dedicated member of the United States Army, William served honorably from July 18, 1978 until 1980 when he took a short break in service. He returned to service later that year until his retirement on January 31, 2003. He achieved the rank of Master Sergeant but declined in order to take care of his beloved grandfather and continued to hold the rank of Sergeant First Class at retirement. He specialized as a track wheel vehicle repairman during his military career, which included tours in Germany, Korea, Desert Storm, and Kuwait, as well as multiple assignments at Army Forts across the continental United States. William was not only a skilled technician but also a leader and role model to his squad members and fellow soldiers.

Following his military service, William continued to dedicate himself to public service, working for fifteen years as a supervisor in the records department of IACH on Ft. Riley, Kansas until his retirement. His diligent work ethic earned him the respect of his colleagues and community.

William married the love of his life Cassandra Williams on July 1, 2003 and they embraced family life with enthusiasm. Cassandra was affectionately known as his "darling" while he was her "cutie." They created lasting memories with their blended family, ensuring that every holiday and special occasion included loved ones, including his previous wife and all their friends. William loved to grill, especially hosting his famous fish fries, and he enjoyed traveling to visit family, often frequenting the Prairie Band Casino.

Known for his caring and loving personality, William easily connected with others, never meeting a stranger and always willing to give a helping hand. He was known for his wonderful sense of humor and the affection he shared with everyone around him.

William is survived by his loving wife, Cassandra A. Brown of Junction City, Kansas; his sons, William G. (Enrico) Brown III of Vincenza, Italy, and Michael J. Brown of Junction City, Kansas; step-sons Andrea Shepherd from Manhattan, Kansas, and Vincent (Queentonya) Shepherd of Georgia; daughters Shemeka S. (Elliot) Brown and Shanitra S. Brown, both of Junction City, Kansas; step-daughter Selena Shepherd of Westminster, Colorado; godson Jonathan Valles; goddaughters Losi (BJ) Jidla of Minnesota, Monica Vazquez of Manhattan, Kansas, and Porsha Martin of Junction City, Kansas; niece/daughter Lotus Brown of Cleveland, Ohio; grandchildren Neveah, Niko, and Nariah; and step-grandchildren Nathan, Camille, Chloe, Maya, and Layla. He is also survived by his father, Reverend William Griffin Brown Sr.; siblings Josephine (Dave) Phillips of Montgomery, Alabama, Debra Stewart of Cleveland, Ohio, and Jannie Ledger of Cleveland, Ohio; aunties Robbie Moultrie and Fanny (Charles) Bell of Chicago, Illinois; and best friend Patricia Brown - James Fleming, who served as his prayer partner. William's community extended to honorary brothers Jesse (Patricia) Woods, Ronald (Bernadette) Clasberry, Clifford (Tina) Scott, Danny Thompson, McDaniel (Naomi) Rawlings, Jerry (Emma) Cockrell, and Alfred Johnson. During their time together William and his best friend Patricia fostered over 100 children in the Junction City and Manhattan area. He is also remembered by a plethora of friends, community members, and former brothers in arms.

William was preceded in death by his mother Clara Mae Latner, who passed away on September 3, 2005; his great-uncle/grandfather Roosevelt P. Richardson, who departed on October 16, 2004; godson Curzeil Diamond Walker, who left this world on November 3, 2010; goddaughter Shamone Denise Walker, who passed on August 10, 2015; and aunt Mable Norman, who died on July 20, 2018.

William's proudest accomplishments were his family and his dedicated years of service in the United States Military. He will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved him.

Visitation will be held on January 6, 2026, from 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM at Johnson & Mass-Hinitt Funeral Home located at 203 N Washington St, Junction City, KS. The funeral service will take place on January 7, 2026, at 11:00 AM, also at Johnson & Mass-Hinitt Funeral Home. Following the service, a graveside service will be conducted at the Kansas Veterans' Cemetery in Manhattan, KS, at 1:00 PM with military honors.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to the American Cancer Society, 1100 Pennsylvania Avenue, Kansas City, Missouri 64105.

To live stream William's funeral service, please click on the link: Funeral Service for William Griffin Brown Jr