Eugene Harlan Brown

Eugene Harlan Brown, 83, passed away on February 12, 2011, after a massive heart attack. Gene was born in Sebring, Florida, November 6, 1927 to Emery Eugene and Eunice Harlan Brown. He was predeceased by his parents and by his first wife, Sylvia Vise Brown (1993).

Gene is survived by his wife of 17 years, Kay Keen Brown; his son, Bill Brown (Lynda); and daughters, Nancy Howard (Sonny), and Carolyn Jones (Doug). He is also survived by five grandchildren: James Crosby (Andrea), Shannon Brown, Jason Walker, Jared Brown, and Kristin Brown, along with 14 great-grandchildre. Gene is also survived by his stepchildren, Jimmy Keen (Georgia), David Keen (Gail), and their children: Jason, Dyestaney, Jimmy, Jr., and Clay.

Gene graduated from high school in Madison, Florida, where he was captain of the basketball team. At 17, he followed his father's footsteps and began working for Seaboard Railroad. He worked for Seaboard for over forty years before retiring. The railroad took him to live in many Florida towns until he decided to settle and raise his family in Lake Wales. He was active in the community with his ham radio, Lion's Club, and a bowling league. He was an active member of the First Baptist Church of Lake Wales where he was a deacon. He enjoyed singing with the Golden Heirs.

In retirement, Gene enjoyed traveling and spending summers in his second home in Maggie Valley, North Carolina. He and Kay enjoyed many gospel music concerts. Gene enjoyed being with people, talking and telling jokes, and he had a ready smile and conversation for both friends and strangers. He was very well liked by all who knew him, and he will be missed.

Funeral services will be held 11:00 AM Tuesday, February 15, 2011 at the First Baptist Church of Lake Wales. Viewing at 10:00 AM until service time. Interment will be held at the Lake Wales Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, the family request that donations be made to the First Baptist Church of Lake Wales.

To view his tribute video, please click the link below:
http://videos.lifetributes.com/197330