Gary Lee Brown's Obituary
Gary Lee Brown, 76, of Jacksonville, Alabama was called to Heaven on October 6, 2025. Gary was born December 9, 1946 in Lewistown, Pennsylvania. He was the chosen child of William Harold and Mary Simonetti Brown of Milroy, PA.
Gary was preceded in death by his parents, three sisters, and two brothers. Survivors include his wife of fifty-two years, Ethelyn; two daughters, Katherine (Elizabeth Schutt) and Christian (Chayo Plata-Reyes); two grandchildren, Izabella and Osvaldo; a sister, Tracy Hallman (Steve); a brother, Harry David Brown; along with Ethelyn's family, nieces, nephews, cousins, and a host of friends in Alabama and Pennsylvania.
Gary was a 1964 graduate of Kishacoquillas High School in Reedsville, Pennsylvania. Upon graduation he entered the Army, where he served in the Dominican Republic and then combat in Vietnam with the Air 229th First Cavalry Division. On return to the states he was stationed at Fort McClellan and began classes at Jacksonville State University, completing a Bachelor's degree and later a Master's. He retired from teaching history, math, science, and coaching (basketball and football) after twenty-seven years in Clay County.
Over Gary's fifty-seven years in Jacksonville, he was an active member and elder at the First Presbyterian Church. Civic participation included being a member of Exchange Club, he coached PARD softball, he was a poll worker, on the library board, and was involved with Boy and Girl Scouts. Gary was also a lifetime member of the JSU Alumni and also the Calhoun County Teachers Association. Statewide, he was Affiliate Director of Destination Imagination (creative problem solving for kids). He was also a member of the American Legion and Veterans of Foreign Wars.
He will be missed but NOT FORGOTTEN.
In lieu of flowers, contributions may be sent to the First Presbyterian Church in Jacksonville, Alabama, or to your choice of animal or veteran's charities.
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