Judge George L Brown Jr.'s Obituary
JUDGE GEORGE L BROWN JR., a resident of Berryville, Arkansas, was born October 30, 1922 in Lake City, Florida, a son of George L Brown Sr. and Jetta Melinda (Perkins) Brown. He departed this life Saturday, January 23, 2016 in Fayetteville, Arkansas, at the age of 93 years.
George was raised in Largo Florida where he was a graduate from Largo High School and the University of Tampa, Florida. He received his LLB and JD from the University of Florida.
George served as trial lawyer, assistant state attorney, trial judge and circuit court special master. Always involved in the legal community, he served in various capacities that included: President of the Clearwater, Florida bar Association, Legal Aid Committee Chairman, Crime Commission Chairman and Co-Chairman of both the Coroner Commission and the Florida Bar Ethics and Grievance Committee. He was a member of the Phi Delta Phi Honorary Legal Fraternity and a recipient of the American Bar Association Endowment Appreciation Award. He had been a member of the Florida Bar since 1948 and the Arkansas Bar since 1977, serving as city attorney for Largo, Florida and Berryville, Arkansas.
Always civic minded George served in various positions including: American Red Cross Chairman in Pinellas County Florida; President of Largo Chamber of Commerce; President of Largo Kiwanis Club; President of Largo Athletic Association; Largo Disaster Committee; Director of Visiting Nurses Association and various other endeavors. He received satisfaction serving at Bay Pines Veterans Hospital, pushing wheelchair confined veterans to chapel and teaching various Sunday school classes.
George took pride in being a pilot, machinist and farmer, where each year he planted several acres of watermelons to distribute to family and friends. His many skills included whittling, wood working and knife making.
Special moments for George were gaining a smile or laugh from a loved one but also included the same from a complete stranger. On any given day, his pockets would house a “joy” buzzer for handshakes from unsuspecting acquaintances and a replica eyeball that he would remove from his pocket and exclaim “I’ll keep an eye out for you”, which elicited mixed reactions sure to be reflected in his smile. George had an infectious sense of humor and energy for life that all who knew experienced and enjoyed. Most of all, he was a teller of tales. As his maturity increased, so did his joy. He will be missed.
He is survived by one daughter, Nancy (Brown) and husband Ron Snow of Fairhope, Alabama; stepson, James E. Clarkson, MD and wife, Maggie of Pascagoula, Mississippi; stepdaughter, Deborah (Clarkson) Cromis and husband Charlie of Hardinsburg, Kentucky; stepson, John B. Clarkson, MD of Liberty Indiana, six grandchildren, six great-grandchildren and a host of friends and loved ones.
On March 3, 1982 George was united in marriage to the love of his life Frances Louise (Netherland) Brown who preceded him in death. Each day of their thirty year relationship was spent in adoration one of the other. A casual observer would notice the caring glances and light of love in their eyes, similar to the first love of a young couple. He also was preceded by his parents, George L and Jetta Melinda (Perkins) Brown Sr.; brother, Emory L Brown and sister, Jewel Brown Shurtleff.
Visitation was held from 5:00 PM until 7:00 P.M. Thursday, January 28, 2016 at Charles M. Nelson Memorial Chapel, Berryville, Arkansas. Funeral service was 10:00 A.M. Friday, January 29, 2016 at Berryville United Methodist Church, Berryville, Arkansas with Reverend Kenny Lee officiating under the direction of Nelson Funeral Service. Memorial donations may be made to the Berryville United Methodist Church, P.O. Box 267, Berryville, Arkansas 72616. Online condolences may be sent to the family at nelsonfuneral.com. © Nelson Funeral Service, Inc. 2016
or www.mossfeasterclearwater.com
What’s your fondest memory of George ?
What’s a lesson you learned from George ?
Share a story where George 's kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with George you’ll never forget.
How did George make you smile?
