Billy Ray Brown

Billy Ray Brown, long-time resident of Cleveland, Oklahoma, gently passed away surrounded by his family on Thursday morning, December 1, 2011. He was 82 years of age. Born on June 1, 1929, in Ramona, Oklahoma, he was the son of Frank J. and Lara E. Brown. Educated in Hominy, Oklahoma, he spent most of his life in Pawnee County and resided in a country home outside of his home town. In February, 1951, he entered service in the United States Army and served during hostilities in Korea. Honorably discharged from the Army in February, 1953, he was awarded the Korean Service Medal with bronze battle star, the United Nations Service Medal and the National Service Medal. In October, 1959, he married Carolyn Treece of Cleveland. Of that union two daughters were born, Terri Ann and Rhonda. As a skilled professional heavy equipment operator Mr. Brown was employed in that occupation in various locations in the continental United States as well as North Africa, and the Middle East, including service in Iran and in Iraq. During his retirement years Bill enjoyed golf with his friends and maintained a close and loving relationship with his daughters, his granddaughter, and his two great grandsons. He was particularly fond of his pet dogs who remained faithful through his final days. He was a member of the Church of Christ in Cleveland and belonged to the International Union of Operating Engineers. He was preceded in death by his parents, Frank J. Brown and Lara E. Johnson Brown. He is survived by this two daughters, Terri Ann Adams and Rhonda Kay Brown of Cleveland, one granddaughter, Whitney Lean Payne and two great grandsons, Mason Aubrey and Morgan Aubrey of Coweta, two brothers, Richard Dean Brown of Bristow and John Brown of Tulsa, and one sister, Mary Ann Upchurch of Bartlesville.