Sage Brown

Attorney Sage Brown - SAVANNAH - On October 14, 1946, Sage Brown was born to King and Lula Bell Brown in Savannah, Georgia. He was the second of five children. He was preceded in death by his mother, father and brother-King Brown, Jr. On August 22, 2015, after over 68 years of service to his nation, community, family and friends, Attorney Sage Brown passed away after complications arising from what doctors purported to be Agent Orange related Leukemia. As a young man, Sage was an integral part of the youth force that fought for integration and the civil rights of African American citizens in the state of Georgia. In 1963, when the Savannah-Chatham County Public Schools directed the integration of Groves and Savannah High Schools, the NAACP and the Chatham County Crusade for Voters identified him as one of the primary African-American students capable of taking on the daunting task. His training in civil disobedience coupled with his outstanding intellectual abilities made him a primary candidate for the integration of Groves High School. In June of 2015, the State Bar of Georgia and the Center for Civil and Human Rights, formally recognized Attorney Brown's efforts as part of the Celebration of Civil Rights Milestones in Atlanta, Georgia. Besides actively engaging in the Civil Rights struggle, Sage also answered the call to duty by serving his nation during the Vietnam War. During the period of May 1966 through March 1973, he served as an officer during three combat tours, including a thirty-month combat tour as a Infantry Rifle Platoon Leader. At the conclusion of his service, Sage had earned the rank of Captain, and was awarded a Bronze Star Medal (with one oak leaf cluster), a Purple Heart Medal, an Army Commendation Medal (with one oak leaf cluster), the National Defense Service Medal, the Vietnam Service Medal (with nine bronze service stars), the Vietnam Campaign Medal, the Republic of Vietnam Training Service Medal 1st Class and the Combat Infantry Badge. Moreover, during the latter part of his military service, Sage attended school at night and completed requirements for a bachelor's degree in December of 1972. After being honorably discharged from the United States Army, Augusta College-now Georgia Regents University-conferred the degree of Bachelor of Business Administration to him in June of 1973. He also earned a Master of Business Administration from the Joint Graduate Center of Savannah State and Armstrong State Colleges in 1975. While serving as the Division Manager of Industrial Relations for the Woodlands Division of Continental Forest Industries, Sage earned a Doctor of Jurisprudence from the John Marshall Law School, and passed the Georgia Bar Examination during his first sitting in 1978. In addition, he was awarded the Nu Beta Epsilon National Law Fraternity's W. Reeves Lewis Award-an honor awarded to a student who most clearly reflects the high standards of the legal profession. Sage also used his talents to serve his community. For example, when the original founders of the Ralph Mark Gilbert Civil Rights Museum experienced difficulties bringing the museum from concept to reality, community leaders, such as W. W. Law, called on Sage to execute the task. Sage took full control of all responsibilities and worked tirelessly for months planning, organizing, and implementing key requirements. On September 7, 1996, the Ralph Mark Gilbert Civil Rights Museum opened; afterwards, Brown relinquished all duties and respectfully returned operational responsibilities back to community leaders. Attorney Brown continued serving the community by speaking to numerous adolescents and young adults about important life issues. He spoke at numerous community venues, including events in support of service members stationed at Hunter Army Airfield, in Savannah, Georgia. He also served as a long-time commentator for the Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Day Parade and as a key organizer of the 50th Anniversary Celebration of the Desegregation of Public Schools in Savannah. He served as a member of the Chatham County Board of Registrars. He professed his faith at Mount Olive Holiness Church and later moved his membership to Connor's Temple Baptist Church. Attorney Sage Brown is survived by: his devoted wife Patricia McCoy Brown, D.M.D., seven children: Pheon Brown, LaVanda Brown, Sagdrina (Abdurrahim) Jalal, Sage W. Brown, Sage Brown, II and Tasagdra Brown; a special son Norman Solomon; fourteen grandchildren, two great grandchildren; two sisters, Linda V. Brown and Elizabeth Ann (Donald) Lemons, one brother, Gary Antonio Brown and many nieces, nephews, cousins, and devoted friends. Visitation: 5-7pm Friday at Connors Temple Baptist Church, 509 W. Gwinnett St. Funeral: 1pm, Saturday, August 29, 2015 at Jonesville Baptist Church of the P.A.W., 5901 Montgomery St., Bishop James Rodges, Pastor. Rev. Terrence Burrell, officiating. Burial: 12 Noon Monday, August 31, 2015 at Beaufort National Cemetery, Beafort, SC. with Military Honors. Savannah Morning News August 27, 2015 Please sign our Obituary Guest Book at savannahnow.com/obituaries.