Richard Sheldon Brown

Richard Sheldon Brown Sr. was born July 22, 1932 in Jacksonville FL to Sheldon Aldine Brown and Kathryn Idele Hightower Brown. He passed on March 6, 2020 at his daughter's Kathryn Brown Perkins home in Travelers Rest, SC.

Richard grew up as an only child. His father worked for FORD Motor company which led them to move outside of Atlanta, GA. For a period of time he was raised by his Maternal grandmother Aileen Louise Waldrop Hightower in Jonesboro, GA while his mother was treated for Tuberculosis. He was placed in the Georgia Military Academy in his high-school years which began a life long interest in the armed forces. After graduation he enrolled as an enlisted man in the US Navy where he served for 27 and a half years. He received many promotions, retiring with the rank of Lt. Commander. During his time of service he received the Theodore Roosevelt Award, Served on the U. S. S. Enterprise during the Vietnam War and the U. S. S. Champlain and received multiple commendations. He worked in aviation electronics and Drug and Rehab program advisor. He also worked in Aerial combat maneuvering replacement training as a maintenance officer. He received many trophies on the U. S. Navy Tennis team. He retired from the U. S Navy in Key West, FL and moved to Sanford, FL where he worked in the electronic field for another 10 years. He submitted his life to the Lord in Sanford Fl, and attended a bible college for further training. He actively worked for a funeral home using it as an opportunity to share the gospel. He finally retired from work and moved to Grant, AL where he cared for his Mother, Kathryn Idele Hightower Brown and Mother-in-law, Birtie Alma Ashmore Hubbard until their deaths. He devoted the rest of his life in AL to the service of the church as Sunday School Superintendent and deacon. He sang in the church choir and was very active in evangelism outreaches.

Richard married his high-school sweetheart Geneva Hubbard and together they raised four children Richard Sheldon Brown Jr., Victoria Elaine, Kathryn Alma, and James Eugene. He was preceded in death by his youngest son James Eugene. He is survived by his wife Geneva Hubbard Brown, his children, Richard Sheldon Brown Jr., Victoria Elaine Cossairt and Kathryn Brown Perkins. He has 9 grandchildren and 20 great-grandchildren.

In lieu of flowers the family request that donations be made to a grandson who is a missionary to Papua New Guinea.