Bill was born on March 3, 1932 in Hollis, Oklahoma and passed away peacefully on March 14, 2026, in Dallas, Texas, a few days after his 94th birthday.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Russel Henry and Ina Lee Brown; wife Mary Louise; and brother Bobby Joe.
Bill grew up in Wapanucka, OK and graduated high school in Sulphur, OK in 1949. Bill served in the Korean War with the U.S. Army from 1950-52 with the 45th Infantry Division (NGUS). He remained close friends with many of his fellow veterans from the Heavy Mortar Company, and attended yearly reunions for many years. He wed Mary Louise Russell on November 26, 1953 in Sulphur, OK.
In 1955 he graduated from East Central University in Ada, OK with a degree in history and government. He taught school for one year in Wellington, TX and then worked at Amarillo AFB for one year as an instructor. He subsequently worked as an instrument technician at Celanese Chemical Plant in Pampa, TX, retiring after 32 years.
Bill and Mary were faithful lifelong members of St Paul Methodist Church in Pampa, TX. He served for many years as Treasurer on the church board. Music was an important part of Bill’s life, especially Country, Western Swing, and Bluegrass. He loved travelling to Bluegrass festivals with Mary.
In 2017, Bill lost his dear wife of 64 years. He moved to Dallas, TX to be closer to his children and brother.
Survivors are son, Duane Brown and wife Adah Leah Wolf of McKinney, TX; daughter, Kathy Bradley and husband Rick of Sulphur, OK; grandchildren Ryan Bradley and wife Lindsey, Russel Bradley and wife Elena, Reid Bradley and wife Samantha. Nine great-grandchildren, Emma, Ava, Revin, Rogan, Evelyn, Stella, Parker, Paycen and Van Bradley. A brother Dwight Brown and wife Pat. Many nieces, nephews and friends.
Donations may be made to Honor Flight Network (honor flight.org)
Funeral services will be held at 1:00 p.m. on Saturday, March 28, 2026, at Crossway Baptist Church Chapel. Interment will follow at Green Hill Cemetery in Davis, Oklahoma.
Arrangements are under the direction and care of DeArman Funeral Home of Sulphur.
