Donald Gene Brown

Donald Gene Brown was born on August 9, 1939 to the late Claude and Bethel (Sweeney) Brown in Mansfield, Ohio. He was the sixth of eleven children and spent most of his youth on farms in the rural towns of Mansfield and Shelby, Ohio. Don peacefully took his last breath on earth and his first breath in heaven on Tuesday, May 2, 2023, surrounded by family at 83 years old. Don joined the United States Navy, where he served his country for four years in the U.S. Naval Construction Battalion as a Seabee. During his time of military service, he was involved in many construction projects as he spent time in Spain, Portugal, as well as many other places. Following his military service, he moved to St. Petersburg, Florida, where he met the love of his life, Lynne (Wilson) Brown, with whom he celebrated sixty years of marriage on December 31, 2022. They built a wonderful life together and became the proud parents of two daughters, Tracy and Natalie. Don loved his family and worked hard to provide for them. When he wasn’t at work, he could often be found doing yard work, home renovations and improvements, routine pool upkeep, and grilling. Amidst all the typical day-to-day obligations and chores, he made sure to set aside time for family vacations every summer, which always involved a road trip, a brown igloo ice chest full of food, meals at roadside stops along the way, some measure of educational enlightenment during the journey, some wrong turns here and there, and a lot of love, laughter and cherished memories for all. In addition to the big summer vacations, there were many trips to Walt Disney World, the North Carolina mountains, Daytona Beach, Fort Myers Beach, and many other locales and theme parks. Don was also an avid golfer and would head out early for a round with some of his buddies on many of his days off. He was a store manager for Kash n’ Karry supermarket for over 30 years. During his career there, he managed several different stores and was the go-to guy called in to improve a store’s revenue and productivity. He supervised his staff with strong and honest principles and ethics, treated them respectfully, and encouraged them along the way. He was often seen out in the store, walking the aisles with a cup of coffee in hand and a smile on his face as he spoke and interacted with employees and customers alike. His employees affectionately knew him as “Papa Bear,” and the nickname stuck long after he retired. Prior employees and customers were quick to say hello, chit-chat, and get a quick hug or handshake when they would see him out and about. During his time with Kash n’ Karry, he was also responsible for successfully organizing the company float for the Festival of States parade for many years, planning and organizing parties and events for his employees, and training many employees for advancement into management positions. Don was quick-witted and always up for a good joke and a laugh. He had a twinkle in his eye, a smile on his face, and was famous for his bear hugs. Don rarely got angry; if he did, he rarely let it show. He was willing to help others and often put others’ needs ahead of his own. Don was a member of Suncoast Cathedral Assembly of God church in St. Petersburg, Florida, serving as an usher for many years. He also helped coordinate many fundraisers and functions for the church and its accompanying school. Throughout his 83 years, Don wore many hats and had many titles. He was a loving and devoted husband, father, "Pops,", and ‘Great-Pops.” He was a successful store manager, a businessman, a provider, a loyal friend, a teacher, an encourager, a sports fan, a “bank,” a pet dad, a golfer, a mister-fix-it, a chauffeur, a grill-master, a son, a brother, an uncle, and a church member. Most importantly, he knew God and was a Christian, and we know that as difficult as it is to live without him here physically, we take comfort in knowing that we didn’t say goodbye but see you later. We will eventually be with him again and see that big smile and the twinkle in his eye, hear his voice and laugh, and get another big bear hug that will last forever. Don is survived by his loving wife, Lynne Brown of Tallahassee, Florida; two daughters, Tracy (Bill) Pafford of Tallahassee, Florida; Natalie (Scott) Lance of Alpharetta, Georgia; five granddaughters, Brittany (Ryan) Thompson of Woodstock, Georgia; Shelby Lance of New York City, New York; Chloe Lance (Devin) of Sandy Springs, Georgia; Ashley (James) Scruggs of Red Springs, North Carolina; and Amber (Anthony) Cicatello of Tallahassee, Florida. He is also survived by six great-grandchildren; one sister, Lola Yardley of Pinellas Park, Florida; and numerous nieces and nephews. In addition to his parents, Claude and Bethel Brown, he is preceded in death by four brothers, Russell Brown, Curt Brown, Ray Brown, and Omer Brown, and five sisters, Ruth Brown, Eula LeMaster, Mildred “Mickie” Brown, Kathleen Knipp, and Susie Ewing. The family is being assisted by Jackie Fulford and James Sircy of Young Fulford Funeral Home and Crematory, Tallahassee, Florida. 850.610.4444 YoungFulford.com

Donald Gene Brown

August 9, 1939 - May 2, 2023