Harvey R. Brown
Harvey R. Brown, 90, of Charlottesville, Va. passed away on Thursday, November 30, 2023, at The Blake of Charlottesville after a battle with dementia.
Harvey was born on January 4, 1933, in Richmond, Va., to Harvey D. Brown and Thelma T. Brown. Harvey attended Charlottesville schools and picked up his first of many jobs delivering papers and carrying groceries. He was drafted and joined the Army in 1952 and served his country in Germany, managing the motor pool. He was very proud of his excellent driving record while driving on the Autobahn and felt that should be enough to allow him to continue driving past 90 years of age.
Upon his return, he worked at Sperry Marine, repairing gyroscopes on submarines. The latter half of his career was spent as a woodworker and contractor. He eventually retired from Concrete Contractors. He was a member of Hinton Avenue United Methodist Church all his adult life. He and Mabel enjoyed the friendship of the other members of the Adult Fellowship class at the church and had fond memories of Christmas dinners and Charity Fair booths.
Harvey had a quick sense of humor, a strong work ethic and was devoted to his family. He used his woodworking skills to renovate family homes and build furniture for family and friends. He served on the board of trustees at the church and volunteered his time to many projects there. He was totally devoted to Mabel, transporting her to and from dialysis appointments for over 11 years, taking care of her at home and eating way more chicken than he’d have liked.
Harvey was preceded in death by his parents, Harvey David and Thelma Throckmorton Brown; his sister, Alice Fry; his son-in-law, John Burke; and his sweetheart of 69 years, Mabel H. Brown.
He is survived by his daughter, Lois Burke; and granddaughter Kayti Burke; his sisters-in-law, Esther Wood (Leroy) of North Garden, Va., and Patsy NeSmith of Snellville, Ga. He was also blessed with many nieces and nephews including his sisters' children, Kathi Rogers (Jeff), Susan Dehart (Johnny), and John Fry (Diana). He was especially close to Mabel’s sister, Ruby’s children, James Amiss (Mary), Kenneth Amiss (Anna), and Margie Brown (Mike.) He also loved and adored his many great nieces and nephews and considered them bonus grandchildren. He will also be greatly missed by his great-granddog, Rosy, who loved to sneak in face kisses whenever possible.
The family would like to thank the staff of The Blake memory care and Heartland Hospice for their exceptional care and compassion in the last days of his life.
Family visitation and viewing will be held at Hill and Wood Funeral Home 201 N. 1st Street, Charlottesville, VA 22902 from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. on Thursday, December 7th. A graveside service will be held at Riverview Cemetery, 1701 Chesapeake St, Charlottesville, VA 22902, on Friday, December 8th at 11:00 a.m.
Condolences may be shared with the family on the tribute wall.
