John Brown, Sr.

BROWN
John Mark "Doc" Brown, Sr. went to be with the Lord on January 5, 2017 at the age of 88 with his family by his side. Doc's journey on this earth began on December 11, 1928. He was born in Opp, Alabama to Warren Hathaway Brown, I, and Minnie Lou Barnes Brown, who preceded him in death. He is also preceded in death by two brothers, Warren Hathaway Brown, II, and Joe Jim Brown, and one sister, Mary Beth Brown Clark. He is survived by three siblings: David Brown (Eirleen), Gratia Brown Steggall (John), and Janie Brown Buck (Dr. William P.) His family settled on a 400-acre farm outside of Andalusia, AL on Brown's Pond. Doc loved to fish and hunt. He also cultivated a love of flowers from his mother. He was always gardening. After graduating from Pleasant Home High School, Doc enlisted in the United States Army at the age of seventeen, and was sent to the Occupational Division in Japan. After returning to the
States, he started college at Auburn University, and was in the National Guard. He was soon deployed to the Korean War where he served as a sergeant in the Artillery Division for thirteen months. After returning to the States, Doc returned to college where he completed his degree in horticulture in 1954. Doc was married to Mary Zulene Cross on September 3, 1951. They settled in Mobile, AL where Doc began working at Semmes Nursery. He started work at Bellingrath Gardens and Home in 1956 as the Assistant Landscape Engineer and became Landscape Engineer in 1964. In 1974 he became the General Manager. Doc retired from Bellingrath Gardens in 1993, after 38 years of dedicated service, and continued to grow beautiful plants and gardens until his death. He leaves his loving memories to be cherished by his wife of 65 years, Mary, his three children, Marissa Brown Womack (Victor), John Mark Brown, Jr., and Patricia Brown Ready (Almon "JR"), nine grandchildren, and twelve great-grandchildren, along with many other loving family members and friends. Funeral services will be held from Mobile Memorial Gardens Funeral home on Wednesday, January 11, 2017 at 12 noon. Visitation will start at 10 am. Interment will be in Mobile Memorial Gardens. Condolences may be offered at www.mobilememorialfunerals.com.Y

Visitation

Mobile Memorial Gardens Funeral Home
6040 Three-Notch Road
Mobile, AL  36619
Wednesday, January 11, 2017
10 - 12:00 Noon

Service

Mobile Memorial Gardens Funeral Home
6040 Three-Notch Road
Mobile, AL  36619
Wednesday, January 11, 2017
12:00 Noon

Cemetery

Mobile Memorial Gardens
6100 Three-Notch Road
Mobile, AL  36619