William Jerry "Bill" Brown Obituary (1947

William Jerry Brown was born May 22, 1947 to the late Wayman and Amy Brown of Baltimore, Maryland. He was called to God on Saturday, August 22, 2015, after an adventurous and love-filled life. In his youth, he was an avid collector of comic books; he attended Baltimore Public Schools and played sports including blockball, football and baseball at Recreation Center 149 in Baltimore, Maryland. In 1964, at the age of 17, Bill or "Diddy"--as he was affectionately called by his immediate family--joined the Navy, with the permission of his parents, and set out to see the world and honorably serve his country. In his early Naval career, he was stationed in the South Pole, McMurdo Station in Antarctica. He received praise by his superiors in the military for his leadership, effectiveness and enthusiasm for supporting the Navy's mission. He was highly recommended for promotion. At the end of his military career, he was responsible for 36 enlisted personnel under his authority, and retired in 2001 as an E-7, Chief Petty Officer in Sima, Alameda, California. Bill was a skilled tradesman in his civilian career, working for Sheet Metal Workers Union 104 out of San Francisco, California. As a sheet metal worker, he contributed to many landmark buildings in San Francisco, Oakland, and Boston. Bill had an insatiable sense of creativity; he worked tirelessly on new projects, from home improvements, to hand-crafting fixtures and furniture for friends and family. He was a patented songwriter and inventor, and an entrepreneur--founding D.I.T. Enterprises. Among his many unmatched character traits, Bill always strived to see the best in people, and encouraged others to do the same. He will be most fondly remembered for his smile, his laugh, his joking sense of humor, his loyalty to his family and friends, love of movies and travel, and his willingness to help others. Bill never met a stranger that didn't become a friend. Bill Brown will forever be cherished by his beloved children: Bernardo Gil, Amelia Yasmin, Waymando William, and Bianca Simone; his wife, Zella Mae; his brothers Robert and Carroll, Sr.; his sister Andrea Louise; son-in-law Joe; daughters-in-law Leanne and Tennille; grandchildren Shaniya, Emajae, Kavai and baby Kamryn; and a host of other loving family and friends made around the world. A Memorial Mass will be celebrated at 10:00 a.m. Friday, August 28th at Most Blessed Sacrament Catholic Church, 2971 Butner Road, SW, Atlanta, GA 30331, with The Rev. Fr. Bruce Wilkinson as Celebrant. Any flowers ordered for the memorial should be delivered directly to the church on Friday morning. To send a flower arrangement in memory of William Jerry "Bill" Brown, please click here to visit our sympathy store.