William Eugene Brown

On a bright afternoon, at five o'clock on February 21, 2026, the angel of the Lord came and bore from this world to Heaven the soul of our dear William Eugene Brown, known to all as Gene Brown.

He was born in Winter Park, Florida, December 25th, 1925. He was the son of Kyser Eugene and Hilda (Collicutt) Brown.

He lived an idyllic childhood near Orlando of frog hunting and bike riding, fishing and working in a grocery store as a bag boy. As a young teenager, he worked in a men's clothier where he had Sunday dinner with the owners because they treated him as family. Later in life, Gene Brown carried out that tradition of Sunday meals with family and friends at his home, where he practiced hospitality after a long, heartfelt prayer and debrief with Bible commentary.

At seventeen, Gene Brown was able to get Hilda's permission to join the Army Air Corps at Camp Blanding. He served during World War II, having completed thirty-seven missions as ball turret gunner. We like to think of him as doing a lot of heavy lifting to win the war. He is a hero in the Brown family, having received a bronze star and air medal, although he never talked about it until he was way into his eighties. He was a lifelong evangelical Christian and loved to' convey that they survived two "belly up" landings while he recited Psalms 91.

When Gene Brown completed his enlisted time in the Army Air Corps, he married Marjorie Butts of Winter Park in October 1945. He studied at the seminary in Stetson but needed to support his family immediately. He worked for thirty years as a banker in Florida. He and Marjorie raised four children, Terry, Melanie, Robert and David. Sadly, Gene lost Marjorie in 1978 to a prolonged illness in Fort Walton Beach, Florida.

Later, Gene Brown met Carol (Hughes) Collinsworth at church group, and they married in June 1980. He worked in real estate in Fort Walton in his retirement. He also had a great interest in health and water quality and loved to sell reverse osmosis whole house water filters. Then, the Brown's moved to Milton, Florida to help take care of Carol's parents in the 90's. Gene remained active in his church community throughout these years.

He was an avid prayer group leader for North Ridge Church holding men's prayer on Tuesday mornings in his own home for a small group for many years.

For one hundred years, Gene Brown was a faithful church member. He loved the sanctuary of God, although for the last two years of his life he was unable to make his feeble body get there. He still enjoyed listening to the word of God through podcasts. He never forgot the Sabbath day and loved to talk about the glory of the Lord. How many people were brought to the knowledge of Jesus Christ through Gene's introduction to our Savior is only counted in Heaven. We can only learn from his passionate example in doing good, and a commitment to sharing freedom in knowing our Lord personally through applied prayer. Many family members can attribute times of miracles in their lives through his legacy of servant prayer and fasting. As a servant of Christ, Gene was an empathizer of all the conditions that required empathy. He found joy with all who rejoiced and comforted those who mourned as a true brother. When the notion of the Greatest Generation passes from this earth, we will be sad to see what a true example of this heritage in our country cannot be reproduced, except through the pattern of prayer.

Gene Brown is preceded in death by his parents, Kyser and Hilda Brown; his first wife, Marjorie Butts Brown; his son, Rod Collinsworth; and his grandson, Jason Brown.

Gene Brown is survived by his wife, Carol Brown; his son, Terry (Cheryl)Brown of Fort Walton Bch; Melanie (Steve) Beeler of VA, Robert Brown of Ft. Walton Bch.; David Brown of Niceville, Florida; and Catherine (Mike) Landers of Pensacola. There are numerous grandchildren and great grandchildren who are proud descendants of Gene Brown. They are Bryan P. Brown and his sons, Madden and Copeland. Aaron Browning and his sons Luke and Noah (of Navarre,Florida). Jeremy Browning (Megan), and his son Hudson and daughter, Hannah, Karise (of Virginia.) Lindsay (Chris), Warren and their daughter, Ashley and son, Dane (of Virginia). Stephanie (Tim) Ferrell, and her sons Cooper and Colton, and daughter. Ella (of Virginia). Jennifer (Anthony) Palladino, and daughter, Kennedy (of Las Vegas). Corryn (Manuel) Hernanadez of Fort Walton. Josh (Jessica) Brown and Taylor (Bailey King) Brown, Allison Brown. (Niceville, Florida.) Amy (Ryan) Johnson and son, Eli Wilbert (of Perdido), Lacey (Corey) Mayhew and son Silas (of Navarre, Florida), Julia Schang and sons, Grayton, Zephyr, Thoreau, Everett, and Victor. Will (Rhea) Collinsworth their sons, Lucas and Isaiah. Cody Collinsworth of Crestview. Kim (John) Brown of Fort Walton Beach and her son, Trent.

A Funeral service will be held on Thursday March 5, 2026 at North Ridge Church 2075 E 9 Mile Road, Pensacola Florida 32514. With Visitation from 11:00 am-12:00 pm and Service starting at 12:00 pm.

A Graveside with Military Honors will be held at Barrancas National Cemetery following immediately after the funeral service.

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