News Summary
Lt. Col. Clarence (Charlie) Emmitt Brown Jr., a decorated Air Force pilot and veteran, has passed away at the age of 91 in Yorktown, Virginia. His remarkable life of service to the country and family is celebrated by his loved ones, including his son, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. Charlie dedicated 28 years to the Air Force, distinguished for his bravery during the Southeast Asia conflict. His family honors his legacy with a Veteran’s Funeral scheduled on September 9, encouraging donations to the Alzheimer’s Association in lieu of flowers.
Yorktown, Virginia – Lt. Col. Clarence (Charlie) Emmitt Brown Jr., a decorated Air Force pilot and veteran of the Southeast Asia conflict, passed away on August 21, 2025, at the age of 91 at his residence in Harper’s Station, Yorktown, Virginia. His death marked the end of a remarkable life spent serving his country and cherishing his family.
Charlie Brown, born in 1934 in Hickory, North Carolina, lived a fulfilling life both in the military and at home. He is survived by his son, David Brown, and daughter-in-law, Laura Themins, as well as three grandchildren and four great-grandchildren. His family legacy includes Rebecca Jones, Robert Frenier, and Mark Frenier, along with great-grandchildren Natalia Frenier, Maedyn Rivera, Thomas Frenier, and Graylin Frenier.
He was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Peggy Brown, whom he married for 67 years. Peggy, originally from Whitakers, North Carolina, passed away in 2023. The family also mourns the loss of their daughter, Karen Brown Frenier, and granddaughter, Katie Rivera.
Military Career
Charlie Brown dedicated 28 years of his life to the United States Air Force, serving as a fighter pilot and gaining recognition for his bravery and commitment to his duties. He flew various jet fighters throughout his military career, especially the F106 Delta Dart and the F105 Thunderchief, during combat missions in Southeast Asia. His contributions to the Air Force earned him numerous decorations and honors.
Life After Service
After retiring from his military career, Charlie found joy in spending time with his family, particularly his grandchildren. He was a passionate woodworker, known for crafting intricate furniture pieces, showcasing his creativity and dedication to the craft. In addition to woodworking, Charlie had a strong interest in computers and new technology, delighting in exploring the latest advancements.
Friends and family remember him for his exceptional storytelling ability and his talent for making others laugh, qualities that made him a cherished family member and a beloved friend. His love for storytelling connected him with both young and old alike, leaving a lasting impact on those who knew him.
Funeral Arrangements
In honor of his service and legacy, a Veteran’s Funeral is scheduled for Tuesday, September 9, at the Albert G. Horton, Jr. Memorial Cemetery in Suffolk, Virginia, starting at 1:00 pm. A reception will follow the services at the Hilton Garden Inn Riverfront Suffolk, providing an opportunity for friends and family to come together to celebrate Charlie’s life.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to the Alzheimer’s Association, supporting the fight against a disease that affects millions of families across the nation. The legacy of Lt. Col. Clarence (Charlie) Emmitt Brown Jr. will live on through the stories shared by his family and loved ones, as they remember a man who dedicated his life to serving others and bringing joy to those around him.
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Additional Resources
- MLive: Lt. Brown Obituary
- Google Search: Clarence Brown’s Military Career
- Legacy: Barbara Beasley Obituary
- Wikipedia: United States Air Force
- Legacy: Mary Parr Obituary
- Google News: Alzheimer’s Association
- Legacy: Jacqueline Russell Obituary
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Woodworking
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