|
Light a Candle
Retired U.S. Navy MMCM Lewis F. Brown is remembered as a pillar of strength and an inspiration to all. Lewis Florence Brown was born on October 16, 1939, to the late Frank E. Brown and Frenchie Brown (Bailey) in Atlanta, GA. Upon completing high school, he began a stellar career in the United States Navy in 1958. He married the love of his life, Vonda Oliver on August 20, 1961. To this union was born their daughters, Wanda and Kimberly. During the course of his career in the U.S. Navy, he served honorably on the USS Alstede, USS Neptune, USS Denebola, USS Nitro, USS Robert L Wilson and USS Biddle while receiving multiple awards and commendations for prestigious service. While in the Navy he furthered his education in Air Conditioning & Refrigeration, Counseling and Leadership and Material Maintenance & Management. He rose to the rank of Machinist Mate Master Chief Petty Officer (E-9), which was the highest rank that could be achieved at the enlisted level (a significant accomplishment especially during that period of time). He retired from the Navy in 1979 due to medical disabilities which were determined to be Multiple Sclerosis. Upon retirement, he attended and graduated from Atlanta Area Technical College, becoming licensed in Heating and Refrigeration. He worked at Morris Brown College as HVAC Foreman and was responsible for proper operations, maintenance and repair of all equipment on the Morris Brown College campus, the ITC Campus, Dormitories and personnel apartments. In 1983, he began a second career with the Atlanta Public School System as a Supervisor in the Heating & Air Department where he worked for 14 years before retiring due to increased limitations resulting from Multiple Sclerosis. Lewis was a devoted husband, father, grandfather and great-grandfather. He instilled strong Christian values into his family and served in several capacities as a faithful member of Cobb Bethel A.M.E. Church since 1979. Although a quiet man by nature, he embodied dignity, integrity and strength and was an inspiration to all who met him. His mere presence left an indelible impression.
