Richard Israel Brown Jr., 84, of Sebastian, passed away on Aug. 14, 2015.
He is survived by MaryLou, his wife of 64 years; his sons Max (Betty), Ralph (Vicki), Lee (Patty); and daughters Gayle Sturgis and June Brown; 11 grandchildren and eight great- grandchildren; brother Bill Brown; sisters Betty Allbritton and Dot Stokes.
He was preceded in death by sister Francis Woodward.
Born Oct. 10, 1930, in Jensen Beach, Brown was a lifelong resident of Indian River County and a graduate of Vero Beach High School, Class of 1948. Following school, he married MaryLou James his high school sweetheart, started a family and began his career as a citrus grove owner and operator.
Over the years, Brown has been involved with a number of community service organizations, agricultural associations, and local RC airplane model clubs. He had special admiration for the Sheriff’s Boys Ranch, the Shiloh Youth Ranch, and the Shriners Hospital in Tampa.
He and MaryLou have remained close with many of his high school classmates meeting annually for Class of ‘48 and ‘49 reunions. He and his family enjoyed many years of camping, boating, and travel and he and MaryLou traveled extensively in retirement as long as his health permitted.
He was a great husband, father and friend and although he will be missed he will never be forgotten.
In lieu of flowers, please consider his favorite charities listed above.
A Memorial Service will be held at 11 a.m., Saturday, Aug. 29, at Sebastian United Methodist Church, 1029 Main Street, Sebastian with reception following in the church fellowship hall.
