Charles McDonald Brown, Jr.

Charles McDonald Brown Jr. was born April 15, 1957, in Jacksonville, FL from the Union of the late Charles McDonald Brown Sr. and Annie Pearl Brown. He attended the prestigious William M. Raines High school where he played defensive tackle for Raines varsity football team. After graduating high school Charles went on to attend Tuskegee University and Florida Junior College of Jacksonville where he obtained his Associate of Arts degree in Business Management.

Charles took his love of business and food and combined them in an exciting career in the food and hospitality industry that spanned over twenty-five years. Throughout his career Charles worked for several prominent companies within the food and hospitality industry such as Long John Silvers, Embassy Suites, Marina Hotel, Marriott Hotel, Jimmy's Hog Heaven Restaurant and Catering, and Aramark Food services (Blue Cross and Blue Shield).  He held several leadership positions in management throughout his career.

Charles was a very active member within the William M. Raines Class of 1975. He became a football booster parent in 1992 for his Godson James Daniels. Charles was an active member of St. Stephen AME Church, and supported his daughters’ church home of St. Pius V Catholic church where he often volunteered his time and service.

"Charles Brown...You had to know him", he would always say. He was a beautiful person inside and out. His personality would light up the room and his sense of humor would never leave any moment dull. He would give anyone the shirt off his back if he could, as he loved to help those in need. He was referred to as the "Community Dad", as he was willing to mentor any young person who crossed his path. His advice only cost five dollars, he would say, and seven dollars for cooking advice. "I have forgotten more about the kitchen than you would ever know.”  Lastly, he loved his daughters, adopted kids, and his grandsons.

Charles was called home to the great kitchen in the sky on Wednesday, August 2, 2023. He was preceded in death by his parents, Charles M. Brown Sr. and Annie Pearl Brown; brother, Johnnie Fort Jr.; sister, Jacqueline Fort and beloved auntie, Ernestine Thompson.

Charles leaves to cherish his memories:  Cressandra Brown (ex-wife); daughters, Brittany Janay Brown (Kenneth G. Wynn) and Brandis Janiece Brown (Christopher D. Blackman); adopted daughter, Monica Monique Simms; grandsons, Lawrence Austin Bethel IV (Brittany) and Adrian “Gizmo” Moses Blackman (Brandis); adopted granddaughter, Melody Denise Blocker (Monica); godson, James Daniels; stepson, Reginald Nesmith; sisters, Annetta “Dean” Brown and Charlette Seward; close friends,  Paula Maple, Manton Maple, Michael Riley, Velma Waters, Pamela Warren, Gentry Roberts, and a host of cousins , nieces, nephews, and devoted friends.

A Memorial Service will be held on Saturday, September 9, 2023, 2:00 p.m., at Aaron and Burney Bivens Funeral Home, 529 Kingsley Avenue, Orange Park, FL 32073.

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