Ralph Edwin Brown

1941 - 2025

Ralph Edwin Brown, 84, passed peacefully at his home in Bozman on September 16, 2025. Born at University Hospital in Baltimore to Clyde Reynolds and Mary Louise Ball Brown, he was a devoted family man who dedicated his life to his faith in God and helping others. He was predeceased by his parents, his wife of 36 years, Mary Elizabeth "Betty" (Daffin) Brown and his sister, Janet Hammed.

Ralph is survived by his loving wife JoAnn Brown, daughter Susan and her husband Eric Teneza of Lutherville, two grandchildren, Miria Teneza Fisher and her husband Colin of Manassas, VA, and Temari Teneza of Lutherville, and stepson James L. Dunn of St. Michaels.

Ralph was a lifelong member of Bozman United Methodist Church and was chairman of the board for several years. Additionally, he served as a lay leader for many years.

A graduate of St. Michaels High School, he continued his education at the University of Baltimore school of law where he received full sports scholarships for soccer and lacrosse. He was inducted into the University's Athletic Hall of Fame in 2009. After college, he served in the Army National Guard.

After the birth of his daughter, Ralph chose to remain close to home to prioritize family life He became a licensed real estate broker and founded Ralph E. Brown, Associates, Inc., which grew to include insurance, land development, and residential construction. A respected figure in the community, he held leadership roles with the Midshore Board of Realtors, Maryland Association of Realtors, including District Vice President for the Eastern Shore, Chair of the Equal Opportunity Committee, and member of both the Executive Committee and the Chesapeake Bay Critical Areas Committee. Nationally, he served as Regional Vice President of the Realtors Land Institute for multiple states and the District of Columbia, and was a member of both the National Executive Committee and the Board of Governors.

He taught many continuing education courses in land development and commercial real estate including instruction at Realtors Land Institute via Texas A&M University. Locally, his proudest land developing accomplishments included Indian Point Farm in Bozman and Deep Harbor Farm Estates in Sherwood, Maryland.

In 2012, he was honored as a Realtor Emeritus by the National Association of Realtors, recognizing over four decades of service and contributions to the industry. Over the years, his passion in building moved to a focus in assisting first-time home buyers as he felt that everyone deserved the opportunity to own their own home.

After his wife Betty passed away, he later reunited with his high school sweetheart Joann Fuller of St. Michaels, and they married in 2012. They opened a store selling herbal teas and Native American jewelry and worked side by side at Justamere Trading Post in Easton. He enjoyed greeting customers and sharing the benefits of herbs and teas. Although he was diagnosed with Alzheimer's early in their marriage, he continued to be an integral part of the business, and his involvement most likely slowed the progression of the disease.

Ralph was a family man, a proud husband, father, and grandfather. He spoke of his family often, sharing stories of their successes in life. He was raised by a waterman and a Sunday School teacher with humble beginnings that shaped his strong values and gentle spirit. Music was one of Ralph's greatest passions. His powerhouse voice filled the church with hymns, and it will be deeply missed by all who heard it. A talented multi-instrumentalist, Ralph played the clarinet, saxophone, banjo, piano, and organ. He was a self-taught organist who found comfort and joy in playing hymns and old folk songs each evening-a cherished hobby he continued until just a few years ago.

He was a lifetime member of the American Legion, the Miles River Yacht Club, Gideon's International and the Elks Club. He enjoyed singing karaoke on Friday nights and was a very spry dancer, having appeared on local television dancing shows in the late 1950s. He met both Betty and JoAnn at dances held at the Miles River Yacht Club. He enjoyed life on the water including watching the log canoe races, fishing, and sitting on the point enjoying the view.

Ralph was diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease in 2013. As the disease progressed in other ways, he maintained his kindness and grace until his last day on earth. A memorial service will be held at Bozman United Methodist Church on September 24, 2025 at 1:00pm.

In lieu of flowers, donations to The Alzheimer's Association in Ralph's memory would be appreciated.