Jerry W. Brownlee

Jerry W. Brownlee
St. Petersburg - Jerry W. Brownlee, 83, passed away after a short illness in St. Petersburg, FL on July 1, 2021. Jerry was a devoted husband and a loving father and brother. Jerry was born in Mobile, AL to Hazel (McCoy) and Joseph Brownlee on March 30, 1938.
Jerry was a Navy veteran having joined right after high school. After serving in the Navy, he attended Spring Hill College in Mobile, AL where he met his future wife, Lorian, at their first freshman mixer. They were married in Mobile, AL on July 4, 1963. During college, Jerry worked at the school library and found what would become his passion. He began his library career at the public library in Mobile, AL. After working as the director of libraries in Raleigh, NC and Savannah, GA, he took on the director position for the Palm Beach County Library System in 1979. He was the director of the Palm Beach County libraries for over 25 years. Jerry helped shape and grow the public library system throughout Palm Beach county to what it has become today.
Jerry never met someone he couldn't share a story with. He would talk with anyone he met. He loved to tell stories of his youth and his family. He was a wonderful conversationalist and was able to talk knowledgeably on just about any topic. At heart, Jerry was a family man focusing his attention on his wife, three children and eventually, grandchild. He cared for his wife at home during her battle with Alzheimer's until her death in 2019.
Jerry is survived by his daughter, Amy Brownlee, St. Petersburg, FL; son, Matthew Brownlee, recently of Santa Cruz, CA; grandson, Jahkir Brownlee, St. Petersburg, FL; and sister, Mary Jo (Frank) Pierce, Belleville, AL and a number of nieces, nephews, cousins and brother- and sister-in-laws. He is also survived by his granddog, Harley Davidson, Jr. Brownlee who was his constant and beloved companion after the death of his wife. Jerry was preceded in death by his wife, Lorian (Leslie) Brownlee; son, Andrew Brownlee; and his parents.
A memorial service will be held on Saturday, July 17, 2021 starting at 11:30 am at Belleville Baptist Church in Belleville, AL.