Raymond Brown

Raymond Boyd “Ray” Brown, 82, passed away on Thursday, April 13, 2017 in Arlington. Funeral: 11:00 a.m. Saturday, April 22, at First Baptist Church Arlington, Fellowship Hall on South Pecan Street. Interment: Moore Memorial Gardens, Arlington. Visitation with Family: 10-11 a.m. Saturday prior to the service at the church. Open Visitation and guest book available 12-5 p.m. on Friday, April 21, at Wade Family Funeral Home. Memorials: Memorial gifts may be made to Mission Arlington or the Hearing Loss Association of America-Fort Worth Chapter. Ray was born August 17, 1934 in Ranger, Texas to Raymond Edward Brown and Marion McAuley Brown. He spent much of his childhood in Ranger until his father accepted a pipeline job which took the family from Texas to Pennsylvania with many stops in between. He returned to Texas to complete his senior year at Paschal High School in Fort Worth in 1952. Ray later attended Arlington State College and Baylor University. He married the love of his life, Jeannene Sandefer, in 1954. They made their home in Arlington where they raised their children, Kevin and Melissa. Ray worked as a contract administrator for Chance Vought, LTV, Loral and Lockheed Martin before retiring in 1999. However, his primary vocation and passion was as a Sunday school teacher. For fifty years, he taught a men's class at First Baptist Church in Arlington. He was a gifted teacher and touched many lives through the years. Ray also served countless years as a Deacon at First Baptist. Ray was a tireless supporter of Mission Arlington. In addition to serving on the board of directors, he also organized and coordinated volunteer efforts at the Christmas store. In his spare time, Ray was an avid gardener. He loved cultivating irises and sharing his gardening knowledge with those he loved. In addition, Ray was active in the Arlington Men's Garden Club and served a term as president of the club. Ray also loved to read; play “42” with his long-time partner, Kurt Schnellenbach; restore and refinish antique furniture with his close friend, C.R. Wood; and travel with his wife, Jeannene and their extensive group of family and friends. Ray loved his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. He and Jeannene were blessed with friends, especially the “42” group, who were considered extended family for more than 50 years. Survivors: Ray is survived by his wife of 62 years, Jeannene Brown; his son, Kevin Brown and wife, Callie; daughter, Melissa Brown and husband, Dave; grandchildren, Amy Perry and husband, Zach, Lyric Melissa Brown, Taylor Brown, Jake Brown, April Wilson and husband, Greg, Andy Lee and wife, Stephanie, Austin Lee and fiancé, Libby Shaw; great-grandchildren, Berlin, Berkeley, Oliver, Jackson and Archer; brother, Bill Brown and wife, Mary; brother-in-law, Royce Sandefer and wife, Carol; and many dear friends that are thought of as family. Wade Family Funeral Home (817) 274-9233