A longtime Muslim chaplain in Texas prisons has died after a three-week battle with COVID-19.

Akbar Nurid-Din Shabazz, 70, was pronounced dead from the virus Thursday, hours before the start of Islam’s holy month of Ramadan.

Shabazz fell ill this month and was later hospitalized at Methodist Hospital in The Woodlands.

He was born in Monroe, La., in 1950 to a large family who nicknamed him “Lynn.”

In 1977, he started what would become a 40-year career at the Texas Department of Criminal Justice, beginning as a volunteer chaplain and eventually coordinating services for Ramadan and other things at the Wynne Unit in Huntsville.

A few years later, in 1982, Shabazz agreed to serve as the prayer leader to Charles Brooks Jr., the

first American prisoner

to be executed by lethal injection.

Brooks converted to Islam while in prison for murder, and Shabazz was with him in the hours before his execution.

In 2012, Shabazz received an honorary doctorate from the Trinity International Seminary.

The criminal justice department’s top official called Shabazz a “part of the foundation” of TDCJ.

“His dedication to his faith, his family and this agency will not ever be forgotten,” Executive Director Bryan Collier said. “I considered him a personal friend, and this loss to all is heavy. We can only hope that the thoughts and prayers of the TDCJ family help to lighten the burden.”

Others were similarly devastated by the news of Shabazz’s death, including former prisoners and department guards who had interacted with him.

“He was so humble and peaceful,” one former guard wrote on social media

“A great man lost. It was an honor to work with him,” wrote another.

Shabazz was also very active in the Prince Hall Masonic Association, a branch of Freemasonry for African Americans.

His family members in Huntsville could not be reached for comment Friday.

robert.downen@chron.com