ISAAC CONRAD BROWN

Isaac Conrad Brown, 91, of Concord, Alabama, passed away November 6, 2017. He was preceded in death by his father J. Brooks Brown, mother Callie Audrey Armstrong Brown, wife Pauline Sellers Brown of 59 years, and all four of his brothers. He signed up to serve with the US Navy in World War II as soon as he was eligible by age and became a veteran of that war, as well as the Korean War. During the Korean War the ship he was serving aboard (the USS Pirate) was at the forefront of the US fleet and hit a Chinese mine off the coast of North Korea. The Pirate exploded, and sank as the North Koreans fired from shore at the surviving US sailors who had been thrown overboard. He survived. He would later serve aboard another US Navy ship in the Caribbean during the tense Cuban Missile Crisis era. That ship came so close to a Soviet navy ship leaving Cuba that the men on both ships looked one another in the eyes as they passed. Many times he was in harm’s way on the front lines of history, but by God’s grace, was always protected. He retired from the US Navy after years of traveling worldwide and being stationed in Rhode Island, Connecticut, Charleston, and Key West. He worked for a short time with UAB in Birmingham, and then moved to Panama City Beach, Florida, first to work for a family business and later for the City of Panama City, from which he also later retired. In 1989 he and his wife Pauline moved to Toadvine, Alabama to be closer to each of their families. In full retirement he had an active project every single day, which helped keep him young. He also became involved in Smithville Baptist Church for many years. In 2008, his beloved wife Pauline of almost 6 decades passed away. He took care of her day and night in their home for her last few years, providing an extraordinary example to all those around him of what real love looks like. In later years he would meet Betty, who would become his wife and companion for the remainder of his last years. They lived together at her home in Concord and he became a member of Concord Highlands Baptist Church. Granddaddy, as he is known to his grandchildren, was a good and kind man, much beloved by those around him. It was impossible to go to a local grocery store or community event with him and not be stopped repeatedly by endless friends wanting to give him a hug and say hello. Any woman was sure to be called “shug” (short for sugar) and any younger man was sure to be called “son”. He was endeared so broadly by those who knew him because of his genuine kindness and care for those around him. And he loved to joke, even if he was the only one who got some of the jokes! He brought smiles and laughter wherever he went. He was a much loved father, grandfather, husband, uncle, and friend. His life was a life well lived. He is survived by his son Conrad DeWayne Brown (Cookie) of Toadvine, AL; daughter Linda Ensminger (Don) of Panama City Beach, FL; Grandchildren Derek Conrad Brown of Birmingham, AL; Erica Burchfield (Grady) of Helena, AL; Brad Ensminger of Orlando, FL; and Amber Ensminger Haas (Jeremy) of Panama City Beach, FL; Greatgrandchildren Adeline Burchfield, Sadie Haas, Lyla Burchfield, and Rayce Haas. He is survived by his widow Betty Brown of Concord, AL and her children and grandchildren who also became very special to him in his last years. Additionally, “Uncle Conrad” is survived by a host of nieces and nephews across the United States. The family would like to say a special thank you to Dr. Postma and the team of ICU nurses and medical staff at UAB Medical Center West who took such good care of him with kindness and dignity in his last days. Visitation will be at Peoples Chapel Funeral Home in Hueytown, Alabama on Friday, November 10, 2017, from 9:00 AM until 10:00 AM. The funeral service will be at 10:00 AM at the Funeral Home. Burial will follow at Highlands Memorial Gardens. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Wounded Warrior Project supporting injured veterans.