Celebrating the life of
Richard F. Brown
February 16, 1909 - February 11, 2009
SAVANNAH - Richard F Dick Brown passed on February 11, 2009. He was 99. Dick Brown was born in Kansas City, Kansas. He was the last survivor of the family of Robert and Grace Brown. Dick married Pearl Proctor his loving wife of 69 years in Kansas City in 1933. Pearl died in 2002.
Dick graduated from the University of Kansas with a major in Chemistry and a minor in Education. He later did graduate work in Engineering.
His lifetime career was in chemical engineering and management. This started during World War Ii. Because of his experience and education the government made him supervisor of the Military Chemical Ordinance Works near Baxter Springs , Kansas . By the time the war ended he had become the Manager of Engineering. Next, Dick was involved in the technical management of Spencer Chemical Company.
With his next career move he became Senior Vice-President and co-founder of thc
Southern Nitrogen Company of Savannah. Georgia. That company was sold and he became the Divisional Vice-President of Kaiser Aluminum Company. He left Kaiser to become President of Valley Nitrogen Company of Fresno, California, and then, Chairman and CEO of the Customs Resins Company of Hendetson , Kentucky .
He lived in Savannah from 1955 until 1968 and returned in 2002. He was active in civic affairs, serving on the Board of Directors of the Savannah Symphony Society, was a Rotarian and an active member of the Chamber of Commerce and was on the Board of Directors of Liberty National Bank. He was a member of Independent Presbyterian Church, serving as a Deacon, an alder and a Co Trustee. He was a founding member of The Skidaway Island Presbyterian Church. He was a member of The Oglethorpe Club and a founding member of The Chatham Club.
In 1991, he and his wife, Pearl, founded the Career Advancement Program that provides money to ambitious and outstanding students who otherwise would have to drop out of school. This will be an ongoing program.
Dick's life will be celebrated on Thursday, February 19, at 3:00 at the Skidawav Island Presbyterian Church on Skidaway Island. In lieu of flowers donations should be made to the church or your favorite charity.
Please sign our on-line guestbook at www.foxandweeks.com
I was very fortunate to have met Mr.and Mrs. Brown. They were very generous and helped many students through school, myself included. Because of their support, I am now working as a nurse. I will always be thankful for their help. My thoughts go to his family and friends. Pam Mahnke
- Pam Mahnke, sav, GA
While I never had the pleasure of meeting Mr. Brown personally, I have heard of the wonderful acts of generosity he has shown to many Savannah Technical College students as well as many others in our community. He will be missed.
- Dr. Kathy Love, Savannah, GA
We will sadly miss Mr. Brown, he was a very dear man and neighbor.
- Cliff & Idell McDonald, Savannah, GA
I was very fortunate to have met Mr.and Mrs. Brown. They were very generous and helped many students through school, myself included. Because of their support, I am now working as a nurse. I will always be thankful for their help. My thoughts go to his family and friends. Pam Mahnke
- Pam Mahnke, sav, GA
While I never had the pleasure of meeting Mr. Brown personally, I have heard of the wonderful acts of generosity he has shown to many Savannah Technical College students as well as many others in our community. He will be missed.
- Dr. Kathy Love, Savannah, GA
We will sadly miss Mr. Brown, he was a very dear man and neighbor.
- Cliff & Idell McDonald, Savannah, GA
Services under the direction of:
Fox & Weeks Funeral Directors, Hodgson Chapel
912-352-7200
