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BORN
1936
DIED
2023
FUNERAL HOME
John Brownlee Obituary
John Bruce Brownlee passed away peacefully on February 5, 2023 at Friendship Village in Tempe, AZ. He was born in Jersey City, New Jersey on January 18, 1936. John was known to his family and friends as “Bruce.” Bruce was a graduate of Manasquan High School in Manasquan, New Jersey. He had a distinguished career in both the US Coast Guard Reserves and the US Army. He served in Vietnam from 1969 to 1970, and was awarded the Purple Heart, among other honors. Bruce had an aptitude for teaching, both as an instructor in the US Army Signal School, and later as a Dean at Augusta Technical College in Augusta, Georgia. He was a graduate of the Georgia Military College in Augusta.
Bruce led a life of service. In addition to serving his country as a career soldier, he was a Captain in the Richmond County Volunteer Fire Department in Augusta, Georgia. He shared his construction talent by volunteering with Habitat for Humanity.
Bruce enjoyed boating, fishing, golf, water skiing, inventing things, and dancing with his wife, Else.
He is survived by three children: Barbara Gentner Brownlee, John Kenneth Brownlee and William Brian Brownlee. He is also survived by seven grandchildren and four great-grandchildren. His grandchildren are Alex Gentner, Ashley Gentner Dodson, Amanda Gentner, Jackson Brownlee, Aaron Brownlee, Airam Brownlee and Haleigh Brownlee. His great-grandchildren are Zieden Johnson, Leilani Jones, Dexter Dodson and Elliott Schrader.
Bruce is predeceased by his beloved wife, Else Gentner Brownlee, whom he married on December 7, 1956 in Bamberg, Germany. He is also predeceased by his son, Gert Herbert Gentner, his sister, Gail Ruth Foy, and his great grandchild, Cooper Gert Dodson.
He will be greatly missed and always loved.
Memories and Condolences
for John Brownlee
Barbara Brownlee
February 3, 2025
It’s been two years! You are still missed so much!❤
US Army Veteran
Barbara Brownlee
March 1, 2023
Captain of the Richmond County Volunteer Fire Department
Barbara Brownlee
March 1, 2023
Barbara Brownlee
March 1, 2023
This is my Dad! There is so much to say about him as a dad, but I want everyone to know about his life of service. After a career in the US Army, he joined a volunteer fire department and became captain. He served in Vietnam and was awarded a Purple Heart, Bronze Star and Good Conduct Medal. He volunteered for Habitat for Humanity, too. He was very proud to serve!
As a dad, he was a good provider, a bit strict, had a corny sense of humor that would embarrass any teenager (but is now sorely missed) and a great teacher. He taught me about camping & fishing, fixing things (he would never pay someone to make repairs ), saving money, working hard and taking care of your family. My friends adored him! I will always picture him with a pipe in his mouth and the scent of Cherry Blend tobacco surrounding him.
Thank you, Dad, for making me who I am today.
Your loving daughter,
Barbara
Me and Bruce
Kelly Brownlee
February 27, 2023
Hard times
Kelly Brownlee
February 27, 2023
Snitching turkdy
Kelly Brownlee
February 27, 2023
Kelly Brownlee
February 27, 2023
Bruce was my father-in-law. I always enjoyed his company. He had a good sense of humor and could always be counted on for a joke or two. He had a good heart. Willing to help with whatever. I learned a lot of valuable fix-it skills from Bruce. Having a drink and playing cards was his idea of a good time, and mine too. I was always fascinated by his inventions. The tee-er upper could've been a million-dollar idea! I was also inspired by his ability to make friends wherever he went. He was dearly loved and will be sorely missed.
CLIFFORD HULL
February 21, 2023
bruce was one my best friends have known him for a very long time
Dee Dee Adams
February 16, 2023
Mr. Brownlee,
Thank you for being such a great father to one of my very best friends! We were all so lucky to have had you in our lives! You were always so kind to us, even when we were sassy teenagers!!!! As we grew up, you were a wonderful role model and remained that throughout your life. I have great memories of you and cherish them tremendously!
Dave Foy
February 11, 2023
My uncle was a "bigger than life" kind of guy. His sense of humor and laughter was always enjoyed. He would drive his young family in a station wagon from Augusta, GA to Minnesota to visit our family and to see how well his younger sister was doing. His devotion to Aunt Else, his kids and his country were admirable. Smarter than a whip, he knew more about HVAC, electrical, plumbing and engineering than most anyone I know. God bless you, Uncle Bruce. You'll be missed.
Richard Foy
February 11, 2023
My favorite Uncle. A Loving man. A courageous man. A loyal man. An honorable man.
Darcy Gentner
February 9, 2023
Opa was a truly a remarkable man. I always admired his inventive creative mind and especially how he loved and took care of Oma. He is leaving a big "hole" on this earth. Rest in Peace! We all will miss you!
Tom Foy
February 9, 2023
Bruce was the neatest neatnik I've ever known. He was always positive and caring to Gail (his sister) and I. My condolences and blessings to his huge family.
Christmas Day 2022<br />Alex Gentner & Opa
Alex Gentner
February 9, 2023
I will always cherish the time I spent with him, and hearing his stories about his past, my Oma, and my father.
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