Morris Ray Brown Jr.

Morris Ray Brown Jr., age 60, of Gatesville, Texas passed away on Friday, December 10, 2021. Ray was born February 18, 1961 in McCamey, Texas to parents Morris Ray Brown Sr. and Shirley Collins Brown. The Browns were a traveling family, and made their home in Uvalde Texas and the Southwest.

Ray attended college at Texas State University and was living in Austin when he met the love of his life, Carroll Petrey. They had a whirlwind romance and wed on September 21, 1996, and have just celebrated their Silver Anniversary. Although Ray and Carroll made their home in Austin for many of those years, they have traveled and cruised extensively. Their latest travels included a recent trip to the northern states to enjoy the cool weather and changing of the leaves. When Ray and Carroll decided they would eventually move from the city upon retiring, they purchased land near Gatesville, Texas, and proceeded to build their new home from the ground up! They planned, and Ray executed and built, their lovely new residence on a hilltop with fabulous sunset views. His vast knowledge of all things mechanical kept him busy and interested in life, and was well-respected for his talents.

Ray had many jobs and professions in his life, worked for the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality for 25 years, and retired in 2018. When he retired, Ray finally had the time to pursue many of his eclectic interests. He became an avid collector and authority on everything from sewing machines to vintage coffee pots, and was willing to share that knowledge with all who asked. It was not at all uncommon for family and friends to call on him for advice on anything from computers to sprinkler systems to electric wiring, as his knowledge was that extensive. Ray and Carroll shared so many of these interests, along with their love of travel.

Ray is survived by his wife, Carroll (Petrey) Brown; his son Travis Buchanan; brother Wade and his wife Cheryl, with their children; sister Rebecca and her husband Doug, with their children; and his precious fur babies Jasmine and Sadie.

He is much loved and will be forever missed.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.crawfordbowerscopperascove.com for the Brown family.