Phillip M. BROWN

WILLIAMSBURG - Friends and family are saddened to announce that Philip M. Brown, devoted husband, father and grandfather passed away on Tuesday, Jan. 5.
Phil and his wife, Barbara, have resided for the past 10 years in Governor's Land since 1999 where they have been very active in social and community activities.
Phil was born in 1935 to the late Coy and Lillian Brown of Chelyen, W.Va. Phil is a graduate of East Bank High School and Marshall University where he majored in Civil Engineering and was a member of the Tau Kappa Epsilon Fraternity.
Phil married Barbara Nell Varney on Dec. 28, 1958, and together they are the proud parents of Susan Brown Douglas (Mark) of Richmond, Va., and Bradley Maxfield Brown, who preceded his father in death. Phil's grandchildren are Sarah Bradley Douglas, Madelyn Anne Douglas, Grace Victoria Douglas and Hannah Leigh Douglas, all of Richmond, Va.
Phil proudly served in the United States Military for six years in the Army National Guard, where he defended our freedom during the Berlin Crisis.
After graduation from Marshall University, Phil began a 43-year career with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers in Huntington, W.Va. After 14 years in Huntington, Phil received a promotion and he and his family relocated to the Corps Headquarters Office in Washington, D.C. In 1996, Phil was promoted to Deputy Chief, Engineering and Construction Division. Phil worked on many well-known projects during his long and successful career and received numerous awards and commendations. Phil earned his designation as Professional Engineer in 1997. He retired in 1999 and he and Barbara relocated to Williamsburg, Va.
The family invites friends and neighbors to a visitation on Thursday, Jan. 7 from 5 to 8 p.m. at Nelsen Funeral Home, 3785 Strawberry Plains Road in Williamsburg. The Grand Celebration of Phil's life will continue on Friday, Jan. 8, at the Williamsburg Community Chapel, 3899 John Tyler Highway, Williamsburg, Va., beginning at 11 a.m., with the Rev. John Green officiating. A reception will follow in the Fellowship Hall.
Phil is survived by many loving family members including his wife of 51 years, Barbara; daughter Susan, son-in-law Mark; the aforementioned grandchildren, and other family members who will miss him dearly.
In addition to Bradley, Phil is preceded in death by his parents, Coy and Lillian Brown; father-in-law, Fred Varney Sr.; and mother-in-law, Hazel Varney.
In lieu of flowers, the family respectfully request donations be made to the Williamsburg Community Chapel Building Fund, 3899 John Tyler Highway, Williamsburg, VA 23185. Online condolences may be expressed at www.nelsencares.com. View and post condolences on our online guestbook at dailypress.com/guestbooks.