Frederick Brown Jr. passed away peacefully on April 18, 2018 at Southwest Christian Care Hospice. He was 96 years old. He was a man of great stature – physically, ethically and spiritually.
Fred began life on October 26, 1921 in a rural area outside of Birmingham, Ala. The family resided in the community of Woodward which was associated with the Woodward Iron Works. He was the son of Frederick T. J. Brown and Isabelle Jordon Brown. He graduated from Ensley High School where he excelled in sports, after which he attended Alabama Poly Technic Institute (now Auburn University). During this period, he met and fell in love with the woman who was to be his wife, Juanita Boyce. They were married on July 7, 1944 and throughout their marriage, Nita was his biggest fan. They enjoyed 53 wonderful, adventurous years together. Nita died February 26, 1997. As with so many young men, Fred’s life was interrupted by WWII, inspiring him to join the US Navy where he received training as a pilot. He served from August 1942 to January 1946, and again from 1951 to 1958 during the Korean Conflict. Upon discharge from the Navy, Fred began a 20-year career with the Federal Aviation Administration. His assignments included Miami, Washington DC, Honolulu and Atlanta. During his service in Hawaii (1967 – 1973) as Air Carrier Branch Chief for the Pacific Region, he had field offices in San Francisco, Travis AFB in Calif., Honolulu, Manila, Saigon, Korea and Tokyo and was responsible for the safe routing of all civil aircraft in and out of Vietnam. He retired in 1977 as Assistant Chief, Flight Standards Division, Southern Region.
In October, 1973 the family settled in Peachtree City, which was to be a major influence on the remainder of Fred’s life. Retirement proved productive for Fred and he was soon enticed into community service in Peachtree City in 1978 when he was appointed to fill an unexpired term on the City Council. After serving 3 years, he ran for and was elected Mayor in 1982. He served five two-year terms and his administration has been hailed as the most progressive in city history during a period of intense growth. Among his achievements as mayor was the establishment of a Public Improvement Program, a Capital Budget, a new Public Works facility, a new library, major highway improvements, transparent city government, recruitment of new industry, and numerous other initiatives. One of Fred’s most notable contributions to the city was his insistence upon the purchase of the McIntosh Amphitheater which had been built by a private entity in the city. This gave the city a great amenity and allowed control over the future use of the facility. His (and Nita’s) work in this area led to the facility being renamed in his honor upon his retirement from city government and is now the Frederick Brown Jr. Amphitheater – “The Fred.” Fred was very civic minded. He served on the Board of Health for 13 years, was a charter member of the Fayette County American Heart Association serving 12 years on the Board, was a member of the Peachtree City Kiwanis for 21 years, served on the Amphitheater Committee for 6 years and was in charge of most aspects of the popular Old McIntosh Opry, was a member of the Fayette County Chamber of Commerce and received the first Fayette County Citizen Of the Year Award in 1991, was co-founder of the International Society and started the original Gathering Place Senior Center at Aberdeen Village. In 1999, Fred was fortunate to have another lovely lady enter his life. Upon encouragement from Sally, Fred extended a lunch invitation to Iola Snow and the two became inseparable for the remaining eighteen years of his life. This second and unexpected opportunity for love and companionship was a blessing to them both. Iola’s love was personified by her total dedication to Fred’s care in his final years. Fred and Iola were co-chairs of the Southern Crescent Alzheimer’s Memory Walk from 2001 to 2010. He was passionate about the Alzheimer’s Association, and with their leadership during this time almost $2,000,000 was raised for the cause. While Fred had many public and career successes, his private life was one of humility, generosity and grace. His family was his priority and he was happiest surrounded by those he loved and for whom he cared. He was a devout member of “First Pres” in Peachtree City.
Fred is preceded in death by his parents, his sister Juanita Black, and wife Nita.
He is survived by his Life Partner, Iola Snow; daughter, Sally Fleming (Mike); son, Jason Snow (Jimmy); grandson, Ron Popiel (Dana); granddaughter, Paige Fleming; great-grandchildren, Nick, Ashtin and Nathan; great-great-grandchildren, Ali, Aubree and Ansley; nephew, Wynn Black (Liz); and niece, Anita Jones (Bob).
Visitation and reception will be held from 4-6 p.m. Thursday, April 26, 2018 at First Presbyterian Church, 206 Willowbend Rd. Peachtree City, 30269 in Smith Hall. A memorial service will follow at 6:15 p.m. in the sanctuary. A private burial will be held Friday.
In lieu of flowers, Fred would like for you to consider a contribution to First Presbyterian Church, Peachtree City.
Carl J. Mowell & Son Funeral Home, Peachtree City – www.mowellfuneralhome.com.
