Ralph Thomas Brown Jr.

BROWN, Ralph Thomas, Jr. 92, our beloved Ralph entered into eternal peace on May 28, 2018. Ralph was born June 6, 1925. He was the youngest and last survivor of the large and wonderful family of Ralph and Lessie Brown. He was predeceased by his brother Joe Brown and six sisters, Cecil Bragg, Guynell Burt, Etrolia Pickron, Ruby Miller, Sarah Bishop and Elizabeth Tidd. Ralph graduated from Jefferson High School in 1943 where he excelled in sports, especially basketball. After graduation, he served in the US Navy aboard the USS Enterprise. After WWII, he returned to Tampa and married his high school sweetheart, Isabell Carter Brown. Isabell was the love of his life and they recently celebrated 71 years of marriage. He worked with Seaboard-Coast Line Railroad until his retirement. Ralph was a wonderful and devoted husband and father. He was a devout Catholic and an active member of St. Paul Catholic Church. As a three-year old, his granddaughter once proclaimed that, “He was a Jesus Man, big time.” Ralph and Isabell traveled throughout the US and abroad during their retirement years. They enjoyed extended motorhome trips and spent many happy days at their second home in Madeira Beach. Ralph was active in the family’s business affairs. His memory will be forever treasured by his sons Robert Wayne Brown and Ralph Thomas Brown, III, and wife Michelle; and grandchildren Justin T. Brown and Kaley Reaume and husband Nick. Ralph had many loving nieces and nephews including, Mary Ann Valenti, Martha Wood, Jodie Rubio, Susan Denney and Janice Lackey. He developed lasting friendships at the beach, St. Paul’s and among his neighbors and co-workers. A funeral mass will be celebrated at 10:00 am, Monday, June 4, at St. Paul Catholic Church, 12708 N. Dale Mabry Hwy., Tampa, FL 33618. Following the funeral mass, graveside services will be held at Myrtle Hill Cemetery, 4202 E. Lake Ave., Tampa, FL 33610. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the St. Vincent de Paul Society (at St. Paul Catholic Church), 4556 S. Manhattan Ave. A, Tampa, Fl 33611, in memory of Ralph T. Brown, Jr, or the charity of your choice.