More detail on this person: Lt. Colonel Bey Lew Brown, USAF (ret.), formerly of Amherst, VA, passed away Sunday, February 10, 2019. Born and raised in Darien, Connecticut, he attended the University of Connecticut and holds an Engineering and MBA degrees from the University of Wyoming and George Washington University, respectively. Bey was a highly skilled pilot, innovative engineer, and fiercely effective leader. Most importantly he was devoted husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather. He is survived by his wife and the love of his life for 59 years, Beverly Jean Brown, daughters Esther Mahanes (Brad) and Emily Francis (Travis), son Ethan Brown (Julie), six grandchildren (Kyle, Alex, Teagan, Austin, Tim, Jordan), and a great-granddaughter (Evie). Bey proudly served in the United States Air Force for 20 years (1957-1977) as a pilot. Throughout his career, he flew transport and re-fueling aircraft before transitioning to helicopters, which he flew during his tour of duty in Vietnam. This experience defined him as an American hero and a decorated Special Operations combat veteran. After his service to his country, he served the Amherst County community as Director of Transportation for Amherst County Public Schools until his retirement in 1993. After his second retirement, he and Beverly began to explore the Florida coast, eventually moving to Port St. Joe in 1999 and finally settling in Saint John's County. There he and Beverly lived the simple life: walking on the beach, rescuing turtles, helping with the local church-based activities, and meeting new people. Bey was always making friends, something he and Beverly had done their entire lives as they moved from state to state. He lived by a simple creed: "Be a good Father, Christian, and Patriot" - Mission Accomplished, Colonel. We have the watch_ We will celebrate Bey's life and all that he meant to us beginning with a Committal Ceremony with military honors at 11:30 A.M. on Thursday, February 21, 2019 at the Jacksonville National Cemetery 4083 Lannie Road, Jacksonville, FL. 32218. Followed by a Celebration of Life service in the Hardage-Giddens of Mandarin Chapel. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that any donations be made to the Alzheimer's Association. Arrangements are under the care and direction of HARDAGE-GIDDENS FUNERAL HOME OF MANDARIN, 11801 San Jose Blvd. Jacksonville, FL 32223. www.hgmandarin.com (904) 288-0025
Burial information: Jacksonville National Cemetery, Jacksonville, FL
This information was last updated 02/18/2019
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Date posted on this site: 03/10/2024
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