R. Baxter Brown

Ralph Baxter Brown passed away April 13, 2017 at his home in Jackson, Mississippi. He was 86.

Baxter was born May 2, 1930 in Helena, Arkansas. He spent his early childhood in Marianna, AR, before moving to Tunica, Mississippi where he spent most of his youth. Baxter was active in sports and an honor student. He as a 5-year letterman and captain of the football team at Tunica High School, where he graduated in 1948. Baxter attended Vanderbilt University where he played football, was president of ATO fraternity and vice president of the student senate. After graduating in 1952, Baxter completed Naval Officer Candidate School and served three years in the U.S. Navy. He was an officer aboard the destroyer U.S.S. Cone which completed an around the world voyage in 1954.

After leaving the Navy, Baxter began his career as a stock broker in Memphis, TN. In 1958 he moved to Jackson, MS to open an office for J.C. Bradford & Co., becoming the second New York Stock Exchange member company in MS. In 1969, Baxter became a founding partner in Gintel & Co., purchasing a seat on the NY Stock Exchange with offices in NY and Jackson. Baxter co-founded Jackson investment firm Brown, Geary and McInnes in 1978. In 1987, Baxter formed Brown & Company and Brown Asset Management, providing discretionary management of stock investments for clients.

Following his retirement, Baxter turned his focus toward his life-long love of music. He began playing the trombone and joined the Mississippi Community Symphonic Band where he also served as Board Member and Treasurer. Baxter co-founded trombone ensemble, Dem Bones, playing for local groups and their enjoyment of playing music together.

Baxter was an avid golfer and a life-long fan and supporter of his alma mater, Vanderbilt. He was an active member of Holy Trinity Anglican Church.

Baxter was preceded in death by his parents George Harold Brown and Frances McKinney Brown. He is survived by his wife, Ann Nelson Brown, his son, Ralph Baxter Brown, Jr. of Jackson, his sister Norma Stroud (Frank) of Pensacola, FL, niece Kathy Benton Stroud (Trey), Salem, SC and great nephews Mitch and Brooks, and five step children and families.

Visitation will be held from 1:00 to 2:00 pm Tuesday, April 18 at Holy Trinity Anglican Church, 432 Bozeman Road, Madison, MS. Memorial services will follow at the church.

Memorials may be given to Holy Trinity Anglican Church.