Robert Brown

Robert Jonathan Brown passed away Tuesday, May 17, 2022, at Life Care of Copper Basin in Ducktown.

He was born to Robert Lee Brown and Minnie Sue Panter Brown in the Pantertown community of Fannin County, September 10, 1923. Robert Brown was one of The Greatest Generation. He loved his country. He loved Fannin County and its people. He loved his family, and he loved the Lord. Robert was very talented mechanically.

After graduating from Morganton High School in 1939, Robert began working at Higdon Howell Ford Dealership in Copperhill, and then went on to work at Van Raalte Company in Blue Ridge. With the start of World War II, he received a year’s deferment from the draft so that he could train women to work on the machines.

Upon his discharge from the Navy, he came back to his beloved Fannin County and continued his employment at Van Raalte Company. He held various positions there and was plant manager at the time it was closed. His final employment was at Blue Ridge Water Plant from which he retired.

Mr. Brown served the United States proudly during World War II. He loved to tell stories about the 12 Fannin County boys who served together on the Biloxi. He was the last surviving one of the 12. This ship was involved in the following battles: Marshall Islands, Marianas (February 1944), the Philippines Sea, Marianas (June 1944), Volcano Ryukyu Islands, Philippines, Iwo Jima and Okinawa. Medals received for his service were two bronze stars, one silver star and nine battle ribbons.

Robert was a member of First Baptist Church of McCaysville, a member of Blue Ridge Lodge #67 F&AM, Fannin County Chapter #28 DAV and the North Georgia Honor Guard.

In June of 1971, Robert married the love of his life, Sybil Arp Brown. They each worked hard and they eventually moved back to Pantertown from Blue Ridge and into the house where he was born. In their retirement years, they loved working outside, volunteering for various causes and in general, just being together.

Mr. Brown was preceded in death by his parents, Robert Lee Brown and Minnie Panter Brown, as well as his siblings, Earnest, Bessie, Bill, Marie and Lewis.

He will be greatly missed by all of his family; wife, Sybil Arp Brown; son and daughter-in-law, Danny and Patricia Brown; grandchildren, Carlton Brown, Becky and Brannon Dyer and Robby and Rachel Brown; great-grandchildren, Parks Brown, Justice Dyer, Ruby Dyer and Sarah Burns Brown. There are many nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends who will miss his presence.

Funeral services were held Saturday, May 21, 2022 at 2 p.m. at First Baptist Church of McCaysville with the Rev. Jeff Brown and the Rev. Chris Clark officiating. Music was provided by Vernon Owenby, the Rev. Ken Bennett and Page Reynolds. Interment followed in the Union Baptist Church Cemetery with the following gentlemen serving as pallbearers: Brannon Dyer, Carlton Brown, Robby Brown, Larry Sosebee, Jack Buchanan and Jerry Pack. Honorary Pallbearers were Carl Arp and Hoyt Verner. Masonic rites were provided by Blue Ridge Lodge #67 F&AM and military honors were provided by the North Georgia Honor Guard.

For those desiring, memorial contributions may be made online for the Shriners Hospital at lovetotherescue.org or to Gideons International at gideons.org.

Condolences may be sent to the family online at www.akinsfuneralhome.com.

Akins-Cobb Funerals & Cremations Blue Ridge.