Ray Brown's Obituary
Ray Brown was born in Wetumka, Oklahoma on February 10, 1919 to Aaron and Susie Brown. He passed away on December 7, 2004 at the age of 85 years, 9 months and 28 days. He was preceded in death by his Father and Mother, Brothers Jessie, Allan, Elmer and Arthur, Sisters Esther and Beulah, Brothers in law Theodore Collins and Everett Campbell, Sister in law Essie Brown, Grandsons Justin and Timothy Coby Brown, Nephews Donald and Allen Campbell and Charles “Buck” Brown, and his Niece Debbie Brown. Ray graduated from Fairview High School in 1940 where he loved to play basketball. After High School he joined the Army and was later honorably discharged in September of 1941, just weeks before the Japanese bombed Pearl Harbor. He worked mainly in the Aircraft industry and retired from Douglas as a Quality Cotrol Inspector in 1975 after 27 years of service. On December 24, 1948 he married Juanita Mae Brown. By 1953 they had three sons, Gary, Craig, and Jerry. Then in November of 1961 Carla Mae Brown was born. The Browns bought a home at 1961 North Florence Place in Tulsa, Oklahoma and still live there today. Ray and Juanita and the kids became regular members of the Baptists Church. Ray sang in the Choir and taught Sunday School many years. Juanita served as a Church Hostess and Pre-school Director during the same time and continues to serve in the Pre-school area. They loved their church and friends, and especially all of their many family members. Sunday afternoons were usually spent at Grandpa and Granny Brown’s house in West Tulsa with all of the other family. Cars were parked all over the property and kids were everywhere. Family values were very important to Ray. Ray raised his children to respect others, to say Yes Sir, or No Sir of Maam. He made sure they were always clean and well dressed, and had good manners, and went to school. He enjoyed gardening, canning, sports, cars, crosswords, cooking, eating, reading the Bible, his family, and especially his grandchildren. He was extremely proud of his 2-year old great grand daughter Emmy. They exchanged Number 1 to each other when they met each time, taking their cue from his beloved Sooners. Ray’s health began to fail in the early 1970’s. After retiring, Ray eventually had by-pass surgery that allowed him to continue to walk and enjoy life. However, he also had diabetes and emphysema. Eventually, the combination of circulatory and pulmonary challenges became too much and he passed away in his sleep at Evergreen Nursing Center after a short stay when he could no longer be cared for adequately at home. Ray was a member of Sequoyah Hills Baptist Church in Tulsa for many years. He was very careful to teach his family ad others to love God, Others, and Themselves. He lived a long full life and will be missed by all who knew him and loved him.Survived By: wife: Juanita Brown, of the home; son: Gary Brown, of Tulsa, Oklahoma; sons and daughters-in-law: Craig and Debbie Brown, Of Owasso, Oklahoma, and Jerry and Janet Brown, of Catoosa, Oklahoma; daughter: Carla Skora, of Tulsa, Oklahoma; grandson: Jason Brown, of Tulsa, Oklahoma; granddaughters: Dr. Michelle Brown, of Jacksonville, Florida, and Stefanie Brown, of Catoosa, Oklahoma; grandson and wife: Aaron and LaShawna Brown, of Broken Arrow, Oklahoma; granddaughters and husbands: Aimee and Chad Fowler, of Owasso, Oklahoma, Tiffany and Mark American Horse, Tulsa, Oklahoma, and Jennifer and Heath Lofton, of Broken Arrow, Oklahoma; great granddaughter: Emmy Kay Fowler; sister-in-law: Charlene Brown, of Tulsa, Oklahoma; and a host of nieces and nephews.
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