Two Local Restaurants Show How Close Our Community Is By Honoring Life of Loyal Customer

Happy Friday y'all! As we approach the weekend and get ready to hit our favorite spots in East Texas, I wanted to share a very special story out of Tyler. A local man by the name of Milton M. Brown Jr. passed away on Friday, August 4 at the age of 75. He left a lasting impression on those he surrounded himself with - including his two favorite restaurants in the area - Razzoo's and Cheddar's.

During his precession, the staff at both restaurants paid tribute to Milton and his family in a very unexpected, but beautiful way. Cameron, granddaughter of the late Milton, described the scene:

Following the funeral on Saturday August 12, we all fell in line for the funeral procession. I was confused because we were heading in the opposite direction of the cemetery. Later I would realize the reason why. We eventually turned on Broadway to pass by both Cheddars and Razzoo's. It was papas "last ride" to his two favorite places. There were staff member lined up along the road waiving at us, holding up signs, one gentleman held an ice cold beer in the air.

She continued:

Razzoo's even did a balloon release as we drove by. I completely lost it. I could not have thought of a better way to honor my grandfather. The entire family was in awe of the kindness and thoughtfulness of these people.

Wait, there's more to this story. Much more. Milton was a Veteran and he would visit the bar at Cheddar's or Razzoo's roughly five times a week over the 10-15 years - he was on a first-name basis with both staffs. As a Veteran, people would always ask to buy his drink but he always declined. His granddaughter told me Milton was a "man who enjoyed taking care of others."

The night they laid Milton down to rest, Cameron had trouble sleeping and was drawn to go to Razzoo's, which she noted as weird because she isn't much of a drinker.

It was like there was something inside me telling me I should go, like maybe if I went I could somehow connect with my papa.

So she goes and orders a drink, having a casual conversation with the bartender. Once she reveals who she is, the bartender lit up and exclaimed:

That's his spot right over there!

Cameron said:

I began to cry hysterically as I walked over to his spot. They had a cold bud light sitting out for him with a balloon and poster. They had the beer sitting out all day for him. The poster read "you'll be missed Milton".

She told us she sat next to the designated spot as if she was watching football with him as she finished her drink.

We often times had family gatherings at his house on Sunday's growing up, to which he never forgot to have us say the blessing before we ate. Milton didn't take kindly to anyone who didn't take the blessing seriously or would joke about it.

I'm grateful for all they did to honor my grandpa and our family. It really is the little things in life that matter. This just goes to show there still are good people in this world.