Oliver Lee Brown

In the early morning of June 26th, Oliver Lee Brown was called to his heavenly home. He died peacefully in the home he loved. Oliver was 85 years old and had lived a full honorable life with his wife, Joan, for 58 years.

He was born in Tallapoosa, GA on September 14, 1938, the oldest son of Clarice Luckey Brown and James Carnice Brown. He grew up in Ellenwood, GA, graduating from Southwest Dekalb High School in 1956. He graduated from Georgia Institute of Technology in 1961 with a degree in Industrial Engineering. He received a Master’s Degree in Logistics and Material Management in 1989 with a 3.9 GPA.

Upon graduating from GA Tech, Oliver set up a real estate investors group in Atlanta. One of his longtime friends knew how difficult it was financially for Oliver to go through Tech. Oliver joked, “If you think it’s hard to get into Tech, try getting out of it.” Knowing Oliver well, he made the comment: “Oliver, there are talkers, and there are doers. You, my friend, are a doer.” And, indeed he was…. never without a “To Do” list. Now his “To Do” list is finished. As Matthew 25:21 reads, “His Lord said unto him, well done, good and faithful servant. You’ve been faithful over a few things; I will make you ruler over many things: enter into the joy of the Lord.”

Oliver worked 17 years in the private industry and began his federal service career in 1978. He worked in maintenance as a lead industrial engineer on projects that are still operational. He joined the Competition Advocacy Directorate and later served as a data acquisition engineer for the Management Support Directorate in support of the C-141 Center Wing Box Bid Evaluation Source Selection Team. This effort represented the first high-dollar contract with Robins as a competitor against private industry. He supervised 14 engineers and technicians during this period. In May 1993, he transferred to the Specialized Management Directorate (QL) to serve as lead depot project engineer. He reviewed design submittals and attended design reviews for approximately 45 separate projects, receiving a Letter of Commendation. He served as Chairman of the Combined Federal Campaign (CFC).

On January 23, 1966, he married the love of his life, Joan Howington, at Roswell Street Baptist Church in Marietta, GA. They were both employed by Lockheed-Georgia at the time. Their first year of marriage was spent in Dover, Delaware where Oliver was assigned as field engineer on the C-141 AWLS Program.

He will readily say that the highlight of his life was his walk with the Lord, being a husband, father and grandad. He served as the first president of the Full Gospel Businessmen’s Fellowship in Warner Robins, served as a deacon and Sunday school teacher. His favorite hobby was collecting Indian artifacts, and he enjoyed knapping them as well. His exceptional workmanship reflected his motto: “Do all you do to the Glory of God.” 

Oliver’s memory will be treasured by his wife, Joan; children, Kimberly Campbell (Ray); Dr. Greg Brown (Shannon); Daniel Brown (Michele) and adored grandchildren, Cayla Campbell, Ashley and Garrett Brown, and Samuel Brown.

His parents and sister, Theresa Reynolds Knight (Jarrett) preceded him in death. He is survived by his sister, Bonnie Roberson (Victor) of Stockbridge, brother, Carl Brown (Linda) of Marietta, and several nieces and nephews who are saddened by his passing.

Oliver has been described by those who knew him best as a God-fearing man of integrity, full of wisdom and a true gentleman. He will be missed by those who were blessed to know him. 

Visitation will be Saturday, July 13th from 1:30 to 2:30 p.m. at The Assembly, 6040 Watson Boulevard, Byron, GA. Celebration of a life well lived will follow visitation.