Robert Jerome "Bobby" Brown

NEWPORT NEWS - Early Saturday afternoon at the VA Hospice Center in Hampton, Va., Robert 'Bobby' Jerome Brown of 110 Tillerson Drive, Newport News, Va., formerly of Petersburg, peacefully entered into eternal rest after a year long battle with cancer. Bobby was the fifth of eight children born to the late James Henry and Annie Sims Brown. He was preceded in death by three brothers, James Beverly, William Henry and Charles Sparks; and three sisters, Thelma, Mae and Erma. One of his siblings, Joseph Brown, continues to live in Richmond, Va. After attending Petersburg Public Schools, Bobby joined the United States Air Force where he served proudly as a Fireman and later a Photographer. Bobby shared his life with Connie Brown, whom he married in February 1957. During their 20-year marriage, four children were born, Robert, Debra, Wanda and Adrian. Bobby had a distinguished military career, which included two tours of duty in Vietnam. He attained the rank of Technical Sergeant, received the Vietnam Service Medal; Republic of Vietnam Commendation Medal; Air Force Good Conduct Medal with 2 Oak Leaf Clusters; Air Force Longevity Service Award with 4 Bronze Oak Leaf Clusters; before retiring after 20 years of dedicated service. Upon his military retirement Bobby entered into a career with the Newport News Sheriffs department where he served as deputy sheriff for 18 years, retiring at the rank of Lieutenant. Bobby had a natural zest for life, people and social events! He loved socializing with his friends and he loved his hometown of Petersburg, Virginia! Always active in the community, he was a member in good standing of The American Legion, Post # 0368, the Denbigh Military Retirees Club, The Veterans of Foreign Wars Post # 3219 and the Shalimar Club. Even though Bobby lived most of his adult life in Hampton, Va., he spent his retirement years in his beloved Petersburg, where he remained until he became ill. Bobby leaves his love and legacy to his ex-wife and beloved friend, Connie Brown, and children, Linda, Robert (Bo), Debra (Debbie), Wanda and Adrian; eight grandsons; six granddaughters; seven great-grandchildren; one brother, and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and friends who he loved dearly. Funeral services will be conducted 11 a.m. Saturday, Nov. 27, at the Chapel of the James M. Wilkerson Funeral Establishment, Inc., the Rev. Pernell A. Simms, pastor of the Hickory Run Baptist Church, Rawling, officiating. Interment to follow in the St. Joseph Cemetery. The family will receive friends on Friday, Nov. 26, from 5 until 7 p.m. at the James M. Wilkerson Funeral Est. Funeral arrangements entrusted to the staff of the James M. Wilkerson Funeral Establishment, Inc., 102 South Ave., (804) 732-8911, jmwilkersonsince1874.com.