Richard Henry Brown

Celebration of Life
Obituary
Richard Henry “Wildman” Brown
Sunrise: August 10, 1930 – Sunset: April 3, 2021
Richard Henry Brown was born on August 10, 1930 in Rappahannock Academy in Caroline County, Virginia to the late Willie Edward Brown and Matilda Minor Brown. He was the fifth of their twelve children. God peacefully transitioned Richard from labor to reward on April 3, 2021, 2:56PM at the Greenfield Senior Living Facility, Fredericksburg, VA following a brief illness.
He received his education in the Public School System in Caroline County.
At an early age he accepted Christ as his Lord and Savior was baptized and joined the Ebenezer Baptist Church, Supply, VA.
On February 6, 1953, he united in Holy Matrimony to Fannie Bell Roy from this union was one daughter, Perine “Pat” Brown.
Richard, affectionately called “Wildman” by his family, a name bestowed by his father for Richards’s seeming need for speed as a young driver. Grinning from ear to ear and flashing that signature million dollar smile, he often shared the story that back in-the-day when few vehicles were on the roads, “100mph was my cursing speed; especially when going to Fredericksburg or Bowling Green from Rappahannock Academy, I once traveled from the Sunoco to downtown Fredericksburg in 12 minutes”, he proclaimed.
The name “Wildman” stuck and would become his CB handle and the name many in the community knew him.
Richard was a self-taught auto mechanic, who for a number of years owned and operated the Port Royal Sunoco Service Station on Route 301 in Caroline County. If Richard could not fix it, it was not fixable, which earned him the second nick-name of “MacGyver”. His proficiency in problem solving, and strong technical skills were so good, top auto mechanics from prominent chain service centers, near and far sought his advice. At the tender age of 90, he was yet teaching and advising family members and neighbors in the techniques of auto mechanics.
Richard worked in the Northern Virginia area in various positions and for companies that included J.S. Bell and Bell Equipment before becoming a heavy equipment operator for the Solite Sand and Gravel Corporation, King George, VA; where he would retire.
Even after relinquishing the full time business as an auto mechanic, Richard remained his families and friends pseudo mechanic where at any time he could be found fixing cars, lawn mowers etc., and long after he had retired.
Although at times he was the jovial jokester, he was also the encourager in chief, who dropped pearls of wisdom encouraging family and friends to “operate from the heart and not the mind, and reminding them it is great to be smart, just not be a smart dummy”.
Richard had a kind, loving and giving heart; he never considered it out of his way to offer a ride to the walking stranger or stop and render assistance to a stranded motorist.
His family was and will forever remain his pride and joy.
Richard loved the Lord and thanked Him daily for his health, strength and longevity.
To cherish his memory, Richard leaves behind his children, Perine “Pat” Brown, Upper Marlboro, Maryland, Anthony Robinson and Dorothy McDowney, both of Fredericksburg, VA. Grandchildren, Shanese Wood, Sharese Wood and Garrison Burnett of Upper Marlboro, Maryland, Steven McDowney and Anthony McDowney of King George VA. Great-grandchildren, Heaven Scott, Zair Foster, Daisy McDowney and Grayson Chittams. One sister, Nancy Myers and one brother Charles (Virginia) Brown, Sister-in-law Helen Brown, one niece Ann (William) Cole considered as a sister and brother both of Port Royal, VA. and a host of loving nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.


Acknowledgements: The family wishes to express sincere gratitude for every act and deed of kindness, love, thoughtfulness, and comfort shown during their period of bereavement. Many thanks to the entire Brown Town Community for their many years of support. May God continue to bless and keep each of you.