Carl Rayford Brutus

Carl Brutus was born December 4, 1930, in Waco, Texas.  He attended Waco public schools and graduated from AJ Moore High School in Waco Texas in 1949.

Carl proudly served in the United States Marine Corps during the Korean War and was honorably discharged.  Following his service to the military service, returned to Texas and settled in Houston, Texas where he started his career in upholstery.

Carl met and married Samantha Christwell in October 1956.  Carl and Samantha moved to Los Angeles in 1963 where Carl continued his career with McDonnell Douglas Aircraft.  He was preceded in death by his wife Samantha in December 1988.

Carl retired from McDonnell Douglas in 1992 and moved back to Waco where he reunited with Antioch Missionary Baptist Church. He was a Deacon and faithful member.

Carl married Iva Lee Taylor in February of 1996. The marriage was a God sent, welcomed, and celebrated by the families and friends.

Carl was preceded in death by Iva Lee in 2012, his beloved grandfather Sam Shields Sr, mother Myrtle Shields and the many family members who loved and cared for him throughout his life.

He leaves to mourn his passing cousins Sharon and Carla Shields who were so faithful in caring for him, Larry Shields(Toye) and Michael Shields.  How happy he was when these cousins spent time fishing with him.  Special cousins that also cared for him were Deloz and Angel Leonard, Patrick Taylor, Dexter, Christie and Miles Adanandus, and Donna and Victor Christwell.  Special friends include Vesta Hawthorne, Nancy Tucker, and Verna Holness.

Though Carl had no siblings, he grew up with first cousins who cherished him like a brother and called him Snookie.  Lawrence Shields of Cerritos California, Vernon, Carl, Gloria (Sanders) of the Dallas Metroplex and George Shields of Sugarland, Texas.

His life was was one of Brotherhood and commitment to Christ. No one knows that better than the host of Church members, friends, and relatives who are here today to celebrate his Home-going.