Milton Merle Brown, Jr.
1925-2022

Port Orange – Milton "Merle" Brown, 96, died peacefully in his home on March 5, 2022. Born to Milton and Ethel Brown on March 30, 1925, he grew up in Pontiac, MI and graduated from Bob Jones Academy in 1943. After serving in the Navy from 1943-1946, Merle attended seminary at Bob Jones University, graduating in 1950. He served as a Baptist minister for the next 25 years. In 1980 he moved to Florida, with his wife, Ellen; they were charter members of Grace Baptist Church, where Merle served faithfully in several capacities until his death. He also worked at Advance-Discount Auto Parts for 25 years, reluctantly retiring at the age of 90.
Merle was preceded in death by his parents, his wife Ellen, youngest son Barry (Roxana) Brown, oldest son "Bud" (Bea) Brown, foster daughter Martha (Jerry) Caskey, stepson Jim Grimes and stepdaughter Jeanne (Tommy) Morris, and grandsons Brian Brown and Eric Watson. He is survived by his sister Juliamae Jensen and brother James (Joan) Brown, his children Rebecca Hammett, William (LeAnn) Brown, and Elizabeth (Jeff) Young, his stepchildren Joyce (Bruce) Christensen, John (Karen) Grimes, Jo Ann Hatch, Janet (John) Vohwinkle, Jerry Grimes, Joe Grimes, Judy (Mike) Mitchell, Jyl (Rob) Holland and Bill (Angela) Grimes along with good friend and care person Joan Wyatt. Merle also leaves behind many beloved grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and great-great-grandchildren as well as nieces and nephews with their families.
Visitation will be at Grace Baptist Church of Port Orange, 1703 Taylor Rd., on March 21, 2022 at 10:00 a.m., followed by a funeral at 11:00 and graveside service at Woodlawn Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Grace Baptist for the use of the Missions Fund.

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