Ronald "Ronnie" Lee Brown

Ronald Lee Brown was born in Jacksonville, Florida to Louise and Hardy Brown on May 23, 1946. Ronnie grew up in a Navy family, moving around from coast to coast, and graduated with honors from Beaufort High School, Beaufort, SC. After moving back to Jacksonville, Ronnie married the love of his life of 52 years, Tracey Scheller, on February 11, 1966. Due to the Vietnam War, he then felt called to enlist in the Florida Air National Guard. Upon returning home, they started a family and he started his telecommunications career with Southern Bell which continued for over 45 years. While working, he attended Georgia Tech to become a technical engineer. After “retiring”, he became an international telecom consultant traveling around the world, often enjoying Tracey traveling with him. As a long-time member of the Telephone Pioneers, Ronnie treasured attending wing nights with his telephone family.

Ronnie’s favorite hobby was cars—as long as they were fast. He had memberships in several car clubs, including the Rod Runners, and always liked to go to junk yards. He won the 1970 Jax Beach Buggy Parade award for “Most Unusual” with Kay, his beloved father-in-law, with the beach buggy they built together. Ronnie enjoyed boat trips with Kay and Frank and building Frank’s dock. Ronnie was the “Master Chef” of the family and all will miss his smoked turkey and great ribs.

Ronnie’s greatest blessing of all was becoming a Dad to Keith and Lee. Ronnie loved the time he spent with his sons building, fixing, and playing with things: Legos, trains, pedal cars, bicycles, mini bikes, surfboards, skateboards, cars, and boats. Of course, he taught them how to make everything go faster. His greatest thrill was working with the boys and their cars--from Keith’s Malibu to Lee’s VW. Ronnie also coached T-ball and always enjoyed family camping at the beach and the springs. When his sons were older, the three of them even gutted and remodeled our house.

Ronnie was thrilled to become a Pop to granddaughter, Cassidy. She loved painting his nails, not cars, and she was his princess. Soon after Cassidy was born, Ronnie became Papa to grandsons Triston and Sean, teaching them all about the history of the telephone and, of course, cars. Later Ronnie welcomed two more grandchildren, Madison and Ian, into the family. His greatest joy was being with the grandkids because he was such a kid at heart himself.

Ronnie’s caring love for his mother-in-law, Harriett (Nana) during her sickness will never be forgotten. He always said that he felt Tracey’s parents were not “in-laws”, but were his parents.

The family would like to thank his godfather, Ralph Mosley, with whom he was so blessed, along with of all the friends and neighbors for their love and support.

Ronnie is survived by his wife, Tracey Scheller Brown of Jacksonville; sons Keith Brown (Lyn) of Flowery Branch, GA and Lee Brown (Cindy) of Friendswood, TX; grandchildren Cassidy Brown of Friendswood, TX, Triston and Sean Brown of Ormond Beach, FL; step-grandchildren Madison and Ian McManners of Flowery Branch, GA; sister Donna Brown of Jacksonville, FL; nephew Jason Lee (Sara) of Jacksonville, FL; niece Christie Helms of Jacksonville, FL; godfather, Ralph Mosely (Shirley) of Jacksonville, FL; and Boogie, Ronnie’s dog. Ronnie was predeceased by his parents, Hardy Brown and Margaret Vaughn; son, Daryl Brown; and sister Lindsay Brown Lee.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Sunday, October 21, 2018 at 2:00 p.m. at St. Paul’s Catholic Church, 435 1st Ave N., Jacksonville Beach FL, Fr. Michael Houle, Pastor. A reception will follow at Beaches Chapel by Hardage-Giddens.

Feel free to wear your favorite color in honor of Ronnie’s love of colorful race cars.

In lieu of flowers please consider a donation, in Ronnie’s memory, to Safe Harbor Academy, 4772 Safe Harbor Way, Jacksonville, FL 32226.

Farewell and Godspeed with our unforgettable love and cherished memories. Love you always, Babe, Dad, Pop, and Papa.

Arrangements are under care and direction of HARDAGE-GIDDENS FUNERAL HOME BEACHES CHAPEL, 1701 Beach Blvd. Jacksonville Beach, Florida.