- Date Of Birth: September 25, 1938
- Date Of Death: August 3, 2017
- State: Georgia
Joseph William Brown was born September 25, 1938 to the late George Oliver and Lillie Estelle Kerlin Brown. The Browns were farmers and, as was common in that day, farm families were large. The Browns had thirteen children and they were spaced exactly 2 years apart. Longer names were shortened for everyday use and Joseph William came to be known as “Bill”. Being on the farm did not lend itself to attending school on a regular basis, but being a hard worker with a great work ethic made up for time not spent in a classroom. While a diploma may have been elusive, Bill had a PhD in life experiences.
Bill was an accomplished carpenter and painter so he was always in demand for his skills. His attention to his trade became apparent to a local contractor and for the next 19 years he was a dedicated employee of Headley Construction Company and they became like a second family to him. Bill lived a simple life, but it was a life filled with devotion to his God, his family and his friends. He loved gospel music and was a great bass singer in any group in which he was a part. To know Bill was to love him and every person he met was another opportunity for friendship.
His positive outlook on life and faith in God were important; even more so, during these last years as health issues became a great part of his life. Bill was blessed with a wonderful wife and life partner in Sandra Smith Brown. Together, they shared 58 wonderful years. He was an exemplary father and role model for his children Gay Brown Phillips and her husband Ricky, Joy Brown Barnes and her husband Rick. Bill was dedicated to his grandchildren Richard Thomas Barnes, Jr. and his wife Katie Hixson Barnes; Bruce Phillips and Michelle Phillips. Out of all his siblings, only one survives him, Eleanor Brown Cochran.
