June 6, 1928 – July 10, 2023
Master Sergeant, Ret., Thomas H. Brown, age 95, exchanged his “Dog Tags” for his “Heavenly Wings” on Monday, July 10, 2023, at the South Chesterfield residence of his niece and devoted caregiver, Bettye Wilkerson.
Born June 6, 1928, Thomas was the fourth of six children born to the late Deacon Samuel and Inez Brown. All of his siblings, Addie Thweatt, Deacon James H. Brown, Sr., Junius Brown, Deacon Floyd Brown, and Samuel Brown, Jr. preceded him in death. He was also preceded in death by his loving wife of 70 years, Deaconess Mary McCray Brown.
Deacon Brown was a devoted member of First Baptist Church, Disputanta, VA. Even in declining health, he remained a supportive and dedicated member. Ministries that he held positions in through the years included: Chairman, Deacon’s Ministry; Superintendent, Sunday School; Treasurer, Pastor’s Aide; Teacher, Vacation Bible School; President, Missionary Ministry, and member of the Male Chorus. Deacon Brown was also a faithful member of the First Baptist 12N Bible Study Group.
Master Sergeant Brown retired from the United States Army after serving twenty-one years. He fought in the Korean War and served on another tour there after the war for reconstruction. He completed two tours in Vietnam as Chief of Survey and Intel Sergeant. In the late 1950s and early 1960s while stationed in Hawaii, he earned his pilot’s license. He loved flying and told stories of flying the General between the islands. To his credit, Thomas received two Bronze Star Medals and two Meritorious Awards/Citations for combat in Vietnam.
Deacon Brown had numerous fraternal affiliations, including the Prince Hall Masons; St. James Lodge #128; Veterans of Foreign Wars Post #120; Worthy Patron Helena Chapter #110; Shriners; Holy Royal Arch Mason; Noble Hilaal Temple #229; The United Supreme Council, GIG of the 33rd, and the Order of The Knights of Pythagoras.
Deacon Brown was a man of many interests and talents. An avid reader, he read his Bible nightly, two newspapers daily, various magazines, and he enjoyed doing his word search puzzles. He also loved the outdoors: gardening, hunting, fishing, and taking care of his chickens. He loved woodworking and all sports. One of his greatest pastimes was watching “WWE Wrestling” six nights a week.
Deacon Brown leaves to cherish his legacy of precious memories: his son, Daryl Brown (Stephanie); two grandchildren, Brandon Hawley and Alex Brown; seven great grandchildren, one devoted, Jayla “Squeaky” Hawley; five sisters-in-law, two devoted, Marcella Merrick and Doris Piercy, Deaconess Erma Brown, Reverend Doris McCray, and Mattie McCray; one brother-in-law, devoted, Deacon James Merrick; a number of nieces, five devoted to mention, Thelma Batts, Mary Harrison, Deacon Shelia Brown, Deborah Ramsey, and Deacon Bettye Wilkerson; a number of nephews, four devoted to mention, Deacon Floyd Brown, Jr., Keith Brown, James H. Brown, Jr., and Walter Brown. Deacon Brown also leaves to cherish his memory a host of cousins, friends, and church members, devoted to mention, Reverend Doctor and Mrs. J. Alfred Reid, Demond and Cameron Middleton, Mr. Theo Taylor, Deacon Gerald Wyche, Deaconess Shelia Johnson, and Deaconess Ethel Gregory.
Services will be held 2:00 P.M., Thursday, July 20, 2023, at First Baptist Church, 10209 County Drive, Disputanta, VA, the Rev. Dr. J. Alfred Reid, Pastor and eulogist. The interment to follow at Southlawn Memorial Park.
J.M. Wilkerson Funeral Establishment, Inc., 102 South Avenue, Petersburg, VA, (804) 732-8911, watch the funeral services live online at www.jmwilkersonsince1874.com.