Charles Jefferson Brown

Charles Jefferson Brown passed away at his residence, The Meridian at Westwood, on September 4, 2025, at the age of 90. He was born on September 11, 1934, in Sandston, Virginia, as the 5th son to Herbert & Julia Mitchell Brown. Charley graduated from The University of South Carolina in 1956 with a Bachelor of Science in Geology. That same year, he successfully earned a full commission as a Second Lieutenant in the United States Air Force, beginning a distinguished 24-year military career.

Charley started his service at Lackland Air Force Base in Texas, completing Basic Military Training before earning his pilot wings. Over the next two and a half decades, he served at 15 duty stations and 9 temporary assignments. He logged more than 6,500 flight hours in multiple aircraft, a rare career that spanned fighter jets, bombers, and cargo planes. During Charley's career, he was decorated with the Air Medal, the Meritorious Service Medal, and the Distinguish Flying Cross.

He has many special memories, but here are just a few stand outs:

Highlights of the flying tours:

"Nuclear reflex alert" duty overseas

Tactile test team leader for the C-141

High altitude recon missions with the 58th B-57F squadron

Operational test & weapons check of the B-57G

Deployment to Ubon, Thailand with the B-57G fleet

16 Combat missions on the B-57G & the F-4D over Laos, Cambodia & Vietnam

Flew with 2 different fighter squadrons: the famous

8th Tactical Fighter Wing, Wolf FAC, and the Wing Tactics pilots

Highlights on land:

Squadron Officer School

Air War College

Operations Staff at the Tactical Air Warfare Center, Eglin AFB

Director of Ranges, Special Ops & Electronic Warfare at the Tactical Air Command Headquarters, Langley AFB

As a decorated veteran with 24yrs in the USAF and completing his career as a "Full Bull" Colonel, his list of accomplishments is extensive. But if you asked Charley, "the favorite thing that happened to me during my time in the service was meeting the love of my life, AnnMarie." They were married alongside friends and family on June 2, 1972. Charley and Ann celebrated 52yrs of marriage with a collective love of travel, animals, boating, stamp collecting & of course "happy hour" with friends & family.

Charley is preceded in death by his spouse, AnnMarie, his son, Steve Brown, his brothers, Herb Jr., Bill, J. Mitchell and Tom Brown, his nephews, David, Herb and Patrick Brown. Charley is survived by his grandchildren, Glenn Brown and Kaitlen Post and great grandchild, Sophia Brown, his brother, Eugene Brown and ten loving nieces and nephews.

Charley & AnnMarie will be laid to rest at Arlington National Cemetery with full military honors and funeral service at a later date. No other celebrations will take place. Arrangements are under the direction of Davis Watkins Funeral Home. Please share a memory and express your condolences in the guest book by visiting www.daviswatkins.com.