Mr. Joseph Ronald (J.R.) Brown, Jr., 88, died Tuesday, June 1, 2010 at his home after an illness.
Funeral services were Friday, June 4, 2010 at 11 a.m. in the chapel of the Evergreen Mausoleum, Dillon, directed by Cook Funeral Home of Lake View.
J.R., as he was known by his initials, was born in Marion County, on October 10, 1921, the son of the late Joseph Ronald and Eva Brown.
He went to World War II as a very young soldier in the 101st Airborne known as the “Screaming Eagles.” He was one of the soldiers who were cut off from their supply lines and reinforcements on that cold Christmas in 1944. With ammunition, food, and men all about depleted, they were told by the Germans to surrender or be annihilated.
The American officer in charge responded to the German officer with only one word—”Nuts!” The 101st held out at Bastone fighting day and night in the freezing cold for days until Gen. Patton was able to bring his army up and give the relief and support to these brave warriors.
J.R. won the bronze star, four campaign badges and the Combat Infantry Badge.
After World War II was over, J.R. Brown returned to Lake View and took up the trade of cabinet making and remodeling. He had a true God-given talent for making things with his hands
He enjoyed design challenges.
J.R. soon joined up with Snow McCrae at Dillon Wood Works and was in the home building and construction business.
Through the years, he built many fine, high quality homes throughout Dillon County and the surrounding counties. He  was a well-known contractor and architect.
He continued to run his own business as an independent contractor until he was in his late seventies. He then retired to his Lake View home at Kemper and built beautiful grandfather clocks, gun cabinets, and custom pieces of furniture for friends. All his life he exemplified pride in his work, pride in his living. He was a very conservative thinking and lived a quiet, simple life.
J.R. Brown was a true patriot, a great American, and an honest man.
Mr. Brown is survived by his wife, June Brown of the home; children, Jimmy Brown, Gay Chappalear and Blain Chappalear; brother, Ronald T. Taylor, and six grandchildren.
Mr. Brown was preceded in death by his sister, Wilean Johnson.
The family wishes to offer a special thanks to Tracie Spivey and Community Nursing and Hospice for his four caregivers, Joyce Rouse, Judy Martin, Anniebelle Bailey and Isabelle Lewellen.
Memorials may be made to Community Nursing and Hospice, 805 N. 8th Avenue, Dillon, SC 29536.