Alfred Grayer Brazil

Alfred Grayer Brazil was born on April 30, 1938 to Bernice and Carthor LC Brazil, in Buckeye, Arizona. He was the youngest of 12 children, with 4 sisters and 7 brothers. Following the death of his father in 1950, the family eventually moved to the Imperial Valley of California.

Al would later settle in Los Angeles, California, where he began working in the aerospace industry for McDonnell Douglas in 1965. His first child, Angela, was born in 1966. Approximately a year later he married Marilyn Williams, who also worked at McDonnell Douglas. Their son Christopher was born in 1968. They bought their dream home in Los Angeles (Baldwin Hills) in 1973, prior to the birth of their daughter Michelle a year later. The family believed in the glory and saving grace of God. They loved a good laugh, and consumed healthy doses of 70s sitcoms, The Tonight Show with Johnny Carson and Saturday Night Live.

Al continued on his brilliant journey within the aerospace industry, traveling around the world, pursuing and receiving his MBA, as well as being recognized amongst top executives for a feature in Black Enterprise Magazine. Al's contributions to McDonnell Douglas carried well beyond their 1997 merger with Boeing, until last winter, completing a nearly 52 year tenure with the company in December 2016. Al loved his job, worked tirelessly and would have continued given the opportunity.

A huge sports fan, Al faithfully pulled for the Los Angeles Rams, Dodgers and Angels. He also had Lakers' season tickets during the Showtime era. He always enjoyed bowling, and never stopped competing in leagues and tournaments throughout California and beyond. Al also pursued his passion as an avid lover of thoroughbred racing. He co-owned a handicapping card and was fortunate enough to own and race a few horses over the years, including a memorable victory by his horse, Musical Review, at Hollywood Park in 2005.

After a long struggle with multiple sclerosis and years of declining health, Marilyn passed away in 1997. Twenty years later, Al was called home to eternal glory on February 22, 2017, passing away at his longtime home in Los Angeles, California. He will always be remembered as an extraordinarily intelligent, hard-working, loving, and purpose driven man with an infectious laugh and sense of humor.

His legacy continues on through his last living sibling, Lloyd; his children, Angela (Patrick), Christopher (Lezlie) and Michelle; grandchildren, Patrick, Earl, Myles, Tyson and Milan; and a host of other nephews, nieces, family and friends. Arrangements are under the direction of Forest Lawn Hollywood Hills, Los Angeles, California, where he will be buried beside his dearly departed Marilyn.

"And I said, Oh, that I had wings like a dove! for then I would fly away and be at rest." ~ Psalm 55:6