Amid all the growth of 2012, including notable Dallas landmarks, parks and museums, we also suffered a few losses. Join us in saying goodbye to the actors, athletes, restaurateurs and others who helped make our city great.

Jerry Brown Jr., 25
A member of the Dallas Cowboys practice squad, Brown died in a car accident in December; his teammate and friend, Josh Brent, behind the wheel. Brent now faces one charge of intoxication manslaughter for drinking and driving. Coach Jason Garrett remembered Brown fondly.

"He loved the game. He loved being part of our team, and he showed it every day," Garrett said. "My memory is a big, strapping guy with this bright smile on his face, bright eyes and a bounce in his step, every time."

Pops Carter, 92
Longtime blues musician Tom "Pops" Carter died in a hospital in Houston on April 22. But for more than 40 years, he called Denton home, even playing the annual Denton Blues Festival with his band the Funkmonsters in 2011.

During his career, he played with a who's who of blues artists, including Lightnin' Hopkins, B.B. King, Clarence "Gatemouth" Brown and Freddy King. He was known as a smooth operator, with his fancy footwork on stage, his sartorial style and his fondness for the ladies.

Larry Hagman, 81
The legendary actor, known for his role as the iconic villain J.R. Ewing, died November 23. Aside from his on-screen career, Hagman was known as a philanthropist.

He and Dallas cast members attended this year's Cattle Baron's Ball, and Hagman also worked to provide disadvantaged children with creative arts education in Dallas Fort-Worth through the Larry Hagman Foundation.

Keith LaBonte, 41
LaBonte, the talented mixologist and owner of Four Lounge in Uptown Dallas, passed away November 18. His charm and hospitality made him as much of a draw as his over-the-top cocktails. Fellow mixologist Brian McCullough of Standard Pour called LaBonte "a passionate man, a great friend and a unique individual."

Paul Neinast, 59
The hairdresser and owner of Neinast Salon on Luther Lane was found dead in his Turtle Creek apartment on December 13. Neinast opened his first salon in 1978 and styled the hair of stars like Linda Gray, Bruce Jenner and Olivia Newton John. He also worked with local modeling agencies and was featured in prestigious publications such as Vogue, Town and Country, Harper's Bazaar, In Style, Nylon, Allure, GQ, and Time.

The night before he died, Neinast was seen at a party along with his muse and loyal client, Jan Strimple.

Steve Occhipinti, 63
Beloved restaurateur Occhipinti lost his battle with colon cancer on November 4. Some of his accolades include Pappas Bros. Steakhouse, Del Frisco's, Arcodoro Pomodoro, Dallas Chop House, Trece, Villa-O, Nana Grill, The Palm, Lombardi's and Texas de Brazil.

Robert Colombo of La Reve restaurant group called Occhipinti "a sweet, sweet man. He had a wonderful heart, and he was very dedicated to his trade."

Mike Scaccia, 41
The nationally acclaimed metal guitarist collapsed during a Rigor Morris show at the Rail Club in Fort Worth on December 22. Friend and singer Bruce Corbitt called Scaccia "the greatest guitar player I never knew."

Friends, family and fans said goodbye to Scaccia at a memorial in Mansfield on December 30.

Zig Ziglar, 86
The renowned motivational speaker and member of Prestonwood Baptist Church died on November 28. Ziglar left behind so many powerful quotes, including, "You are the only person on earth who can use your ability," "It's not how far you fall, but how high you bounce that counts," and "Your attitude, not your aptitude, will determine your altitude."

Big Tex, 60
During the last week of the State Fair, Big Tex burst into flames. The icon was originally constructed in 1949 and debuted at the State Fair in 1952. As fairgoers mourned the loss, State Fair official Sue Gooding reminded everyone that "Big Tex will be back again, bigger and better than ever."