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Brian Nakia Bess Jr. of the Shinnecock Indian Reservation died June 14 from injuries sustained in an all-terrain-vehicle accident. He was 20.
Known to many as “Man Man,” Mr. Bess was born on August 13, 1993, to Brian Bess Sr. and the late Josette Johnson Bess.
Mr. Bess inherited his mother’s sense of fashion and his father’s larger-than-life personality. He was often the center of attention yet kindness was his motivation. He developed many friendships and those who knew him described him as one of the most caring, loyal, kind, funny friends they knew. The recalled his broad smile and that he made them laugh.
From a young age he helped care for his younger siblings and cousins and as he grew older, he continued to enjoy playing with them and watching over them.
An avid Jets fan, Mr. Bess was actively involved in sports. He played offensive and defensive tackle on the Southampton High School varsity football team. He graduated in 2011 and attended the Borough of Manhattan Community College. He later worked at the family business, BNB Tobacco.
He also enjoyed the outdoors, especially boating, fishing, riding his ATV, cooking and traveling with his family. He considered himself fortunate to have traveled to many places in the United States, as well as Puerto Rico and Costa Rica.
Mr. Bess was predeceased by his mother, Josette Johnson Bess; and grandfather, Peter Smith Sr. He is survived by his father, Brian Bess Sr., and his companion, Maya Jones; grandparents, Frederick Bess, Diane Smith, Larry Johnson and Linda Hopson; godparents, Paris and Tonya Hodges; two brothers, Brandon and Bryce Bess; three sisters, Danecia Johnson, Sahar Gray and London Bess; and a close friend, Dominique Taylor; as well as many aunts, uncles and cousins.
on Jun 23, 2014