Albert "Bernard" Brown

Albert “Bernard” Brown, age 88, peacefully entered the gates of heaven and met his Lord and Savior on Friday, December 26 at home surrounded by his family.

Bernard was born in Halcyondale, GA on July 9, 1937. He went to school in Sylvania with his many sisters and brothers. Upon completion of the 8th grade, Bernard devoted all of his time working on the family farm. At age 21, Bernard joined the armed forces at Fort Jackson, SC. He served the country he loved at Fort Knox, KY, and for the 6 years following, he served as a member of the U.S. Army Reserve Unit in Statesboro, GA. Bernard was a former Shriner, Mason, and member of the Marine Rescue Squadron. Until his passing, he was an active Republican advocate and supporter. Although Bernard served the community in many capacities over the years, the roles he cherished the most were Daddy, Granddaddy, Pop, Uncle Bun and Bun Bun.

From farming to truck driving to successful business owner, Bernard was a jack of all trades. He was a collector of friends from far and wide of all ages and a natural salesman. In 1970, Brown’s Office Supply became the culmination of his many traits and talents. It has been said that in his prime, “Bernard Brown could sell a ketchup popsicle to a woman in a white dress”. In his latter years, he never gave up trying!

Bernard loved the Lord, his family, his friends, and lived life to the absolute fullest. He was a generous soul, tougher than most, loved others unconditionally and was always ready with an unrivaled quick wit. Bernard had a magnetic personality that was larger than life. He was the real life version of Popeye crossed with the Energizer Bunny and was blessed with way more than 9 lives. When Bernard was near, you could count on a good time, an abundance of laughter, and no shortage of good food. Bernard grew up attending Greenhill Baptist Church with his large family. As time passed, he and Sandra became members of Jackson Baptist Church and continue to be blessed and surrounded by their loving church family.

Bernard was a devoted husband, loving father, admired brother, faithful friend and beloved by all who knew him. He was preceded in death by his parents, Albert and Zelma Wiley Brown; his sisters, Juanita Lee(Boknocker), Walton Marie “Nutty” Holtzsclaw(Bobby), Ann Johnson(Miller);his first wife Montine Morris Brown, his brothers, Talmadge Brown(Carol), Alton “Brownie” Brown, and Glenn Brown; his brothers-in-law, Arnold Kimbrell, Kenny Quick, and Robert Busby; and his stepson, Gary Wells; and sweet granddaughter, Anna Bernice Brown.

He is survived by his wife, Sandra Busby Brown of 42 plus years and his son, Joseph Albert Brown; his sisters, Margaret Kimbrell, Eloise Collins, and Linda Quick; his sister-in-law, Mary Busby; his daughters, Beth Wells Daniels and Patricia Wells; his grandsons, Stuart Stuart(Jerri Lynn),  Bill Stuart(Gloria), Chris Wells(Rhonda) and Ben Wells(Wendy); his granddaughters, Tammy Burke, Daphne Burke Mickens(Larry), Payton and Aubrey Brown; great grandchildren, Kalyn Stuart, Josh Stuart(Heather), Dillon(Jamie), Will Stuart(Tess), Ryan, Amber, Andie, and Bailey Wells; four great great grandchildren and numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, Sons in-love Alan Cater and Renor Mathe(Sophonie); his daughter in love, Joy Walden, and friends that were like family.

Special thanks to Sheila Taylor for being an extended member of our family, for loving and caring for Bernard and putting up with his shenanigans for the past 6 plus years. Special thank you also to his favorite doctors, Dr. Joseph Dehaven, Dr. John Odom and Dr. Sherma Peter for providing above and beyond care for Bernard for many years.

The family will receive visitors Tuesday, December 30 from 1:00 to 2:00pm at Thompson-Strickland-Waters Funeral Home, 202 Ennis Street, Sylvania, GA.

The funeral service will be held at 2:00pm in the funeral home chapel. The interment will be immediately following at Greenhill Baptist Church Cemetery, 2648 Savannah Highway, Sylvania, GA. Pastors Ralph Dixon, Steve Purnell and Pete Wall will be officiating.

Pallbearers will be his nephews, Drew Busby, Ryne Busby, Don Colbert, Jimmy Kimbrell, Randy Morton and Keith Quick.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorial contributions be made to Greenhill Baptist Church (2648 Savannah Hwy, Sylvania, GA 30467), Jackson Baptist Church (P.O. Box 26, Sylvania, GA 30467) and/or Screven Christian Academy Bernard Brown Memorial Fund (603 East Ogeechee Street, Sylvania, GA 30467)

Thompson-Strickland-Waters Funeral & Cremation at Joiner Anderson Chapel (202 Ennis Street, Sylvania, GA) is in charge of arrangements.