Wilbur ''Brownie" Brown Jr.

Wilbur ''Brownie" Brown Jr., 88, of rural Harrison, Michigan, passed away peacefully July 10, 2015, at his home with his family at his side.

Wilbur was born May 19, 1927, in Harrisburg. Illinois, the son of Wilbur and Nora Belle Brown. Mr. Brown honorably served his country in the United States Navy during World War II. On October 7, 1950, Wilbur was united in marriage to Ms. Dorothy Ann Gibbons in Harrisburg.

Upon his retirement from Ford Motor Company, Wilbur and Dorothy moved to Harrison in 1989, coming from Westland, Michigan.

Brownie was an honorary life member of the American Legion Post 404 of Harrison and was a member of the 40 et 8 Voiture #767 of Temple, Michigan. Wilbur was an avid fisherman and outdoorsman, including swimming and canoeing. He was a self-taught handyman and could fix and repair most anything.

Wilbur was fan of the Detroit Tigers and enjoyed watching a good boxing match.

Mr. Brown performed as Santa Claus to many children and adults for several years.

Surviving Wilbur is his loving wife of 64 years, Mrs. Dorothy A. Brown of Harrison; two sons, Reginald "Reggie" Brown and wife Tammy of Henderson. Nevada and Ronald Brown and wife Jane of Livonia. Michigan; two grandchildren, Melissa Behrendt and husband Richard of Canton, Michigan and Chris Brown and wife Corie of Alton, New Hampshire; two great-grandsons, Randy and Henry Brown of Alton, Ill.; five brothers, Frank Brown and wife Sarah of Harrisburg, Richard Brown and wife Becky of Central City, Arkansas, Billy Joe Brown and Cathy of Harrisburg. Bob Brown and wife Leda of Harrisburg and Jim Brown also of Harrisburg; plus many nieces, nephews and extended family members.

Mr. Brown was preceded in death by his parents and one brother, Donald Brown.

Celebration of life services for Mr. Brown were held Monday, July 20, 2015, at 1 p.m. at Stocking Funeral Home in Harrison, with Rev. Joseph Atchinson officiating. Military honors were presented by American Legion Post 404 Honor Guard of Harrison. A Memorial gathering for Brownie was held on Monday, July 20, 2015 from <span class="aBn"><span class="aQJ">12 p.m.</span></span> until time of service. Memorial gifts in memory of Mr. Brown may be considered to: American Legion Post 404 Honor Guard, American Legion Post 404 or American Legion Post 404 Ladies Auxiliary, both in Harrison, Michigan. To share an online memory or condolences with Brownie's family, please visit: www.stockingfuneralhome.com.

Arrangements for Mr. Brown are entrusted with Stocking Funeral Home, Harrison (989) 539-7810.