Dr. Harold E. Brown

1927 - 2017

Dr. Harold E. Brown, 90, went to be with our Lord on Saturday, July 8, 2017, in Arcadia, Florida, surrounded by his loving family.

He was born on March 30, 1927, in Waverly, Florida, to Ezekiel and Ados Davis Brown.

Harold was a native Floridian, living in Charlotte and DeSoto counties for many years. He was of the Baptist Faith and was the Pastor at Gardner Baptist Church, Zolfo Springs, Florida.

Harold had a very long and fulfilling life. After graduating high school, he served our great nation in the U.S. Navy. He then obtained his A.A. decree from Wingate Jr. College, North Caroline, and his B.A. and M.A. from Mercer Univ., Gerogia, and his Doctorate from Andover Newton University in Boston, Massachusetts. Harold spent most of his working career as a psychologist and chaplain for the Florida Department of Corrections. He was the pastor at First Baptist Church in Punta Gorda then Gardner Baptist Church, Zolfo Springs. Harold was a member of the national Knifemakers Guild and the NRA. He was a master craftsman, making many knives for people he knew. Harold enjoyed hunting, fishing, and photography.

He is survived by his loving wife of 70 years, Vida Fraiser Brown of Arcadia, Florida; two sons, K. Eric (Debra) Brown of Bradenton, Florida, and Daryl Brown of Myakka City, Florida; one daughter, Theresa B. (Shelley) Rapier Sr. of Arcadia; eight grandchildren, Tiffany (Jeremiah) Treffeisen, Shane (Tina) Strickland, Michael (Jen) Brown, Michelle (Richard) Migliore, Angel Walker, Donna Ruby, Jaime (Chris) Melser and Raina Brown; and 20 great-grandchildren. Harold was preceded in death by son, Harold "Brok" Brown; brother, Frank Brown; and his parents.

A visitation will be held from 1 p.m. until 2 p.m., Saturday, July 15, 2017, at Gardner Baptist Church, Zolfo Springs. Funeral Services will follow at 2 p.m. at the church with the Rev. Paul Wood officiating. Burial will be at Gardner Community Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to Florida Baptist Children's Home, 1015 Sikes Blvd., Lakeland, FL 33815 or Tidewell Hospice, 917 N. Arcadia Ave., Arcadia, FL 34266. Online condolences can be made at pongerkaysgrady.com.

Arrangements are by Ponger-Kays-Grady Funeral Homes.