MANTEO — Billy, beloved husband,father, “Pappy” and veteran, grasped the hand of our Lord and Savior onTuesday, July 12, 2016. At his side was his wife of 48 years, MarshaMann Brown, son Capt. William S. “Bill” Brown III (Wanchese); daughterBonnie Brown Rowe and husband, Woody. (Frisco); four grandchildren,Kristian Brown, Ben Brown and Elizabeth Brown, and Jeffrey Mueller.Also present was his beloved second daughter Bonnie Jo Waits (Wanchese)and granddaughter Stormy Heroux, as well as dear friends and”Pepper,” his faithful Yorkie.
A brilliant, humble and sweet man born in Raleigh, N.C., to Rev.William S. and Virginia C. Brown on Nov. 1, 1946 he was known for hiscountless achievements in life, both personally and professionally. Hisexcellent work ethic, dedication to veterans and the residents of DareCounty earned him the love and respect of everyone who knew him.
Following graduation from Manteo High School in 1965, Billy proudlyserved in the U. S. Army as a sergeant during the Vietnam War – TetOffensive. After his honorable discharge in March 1968 and at therequest of Sheriff Frank Cahoon, Billy joined the Dare County Sheriff’sOffice. There he carried out his duties as deputy sheriff andimplemented the Dare County EMS program teaching EMT classes,delivering four babies en route to hospitals outside Dare County andmentoring many.
During his many years of service to Dare County and its citizens, Billysupervised both the Joseph “Mac” Midgett Water Plant (Rodanthe) and theSkyco Water Plant (Skyco) so successfully that each plant won an awardfor the “Best Tasting Drinking Water in North Carolina.” Following hisretirement from the county of Dare, he enjoyed part time employment asa driver for Dare County Transportation.
At the time of his passing, Billy served as a Dare County VeteransAdvisory Council member; adjutant and vice commander of American LegionPost 26 and he was the Outer Banks VFW Post 10950 service officer.Billy was known for his faith in God and loved by his church family ofManteo First Assembly.
In each facet of his life, Billy was determined to be the best he couldbe inspiring others to do the same. Known to many as “sweetie pie” inthe Coastland Times weekly newspaper column, “GIG LINE,” Billy reachedout to veterans to encourage them to seek the help and benefits theydeserve. Billy Brown will always be remembered, respected and loved.
A special memorial service will take place Tuesday, July 19, atManteo First Assembly of God at 2 p.m. with a reception to follow inthe Youth House onsite. Billy’s family is receiving friends at theirhome at 163 Roanoke Trail, Manteo. In lieu of flowers, contributionsmay be made to the Outer Banks VFW Post 10950, P.O. Box 713, Nags Head,NC 27959-0713, earmarked ‘Billy Brown Memorial Scholarship’.
Twiford Funeral Home, Manteo, is assisting the family with arrangements. Condolences may be expressed at www.twifordfh.com.
