William B. “Billy” Brown

William B. “Billy” Brown, age 86, passed away on Sunday, November 5, 2017 at his home in Hoschton, GA.  Mr. Brown, a lifelong resident of Buford, Georgia, was born on January 26, 1931 in Buford, Georgia to William and Maime (Holland) Brown. 

Mr. Brown grew up in Buford and worked with his beloved father as a builder, carpenter and mason in the late 1930’s and early 1940’s – assisting his father in the construction of many of the older homes and churches in the City of Buford.  After attending Buford High School, Mr. Brown worked for The Bona Allen Company from 1950 to 1962.  Thereafter, he joined the former Scientific Atlanta, Inc. (now Cisco), working for the company from 1962 until his retirement in 1987.

Mr. Brown married Barbara Jean Cochran on December 3, 1949.  Billy and Barbara Brown were happily married for 67 years and are members of Center United Methodist Church in Hoschton, GA.  In 1950, Billy and Barbara welcomed sons William and Warren Brown – the first set of surviving identical twins born in Buford at the old Hutchins Memorial Hospital.  Mr. Brown was known by many names by his adoring children and friends to include Daddy, Granddaddy, Pop and Poppa.  He loved his family and enjoyed woodworking.

Mr. Brown was preceded in death by his parents William and Maime Brown, his brother James Holland, and his son Warren A. Brown.  He is survived by his loving spouse Barbara Jean Brown of Hoschton, GA; his daughter and son-in-law Cheryl and John Harris of Hoschton, GA; his sons and daughters-in law William A. and Carol Brown of Flowery Branch, GA; John (Johnny) and Cara Brown of Buford, GA; and Donice Brown of Buford, GA.  He is also survived by two very special “honorary” daughters Debbie Pugh of Flowery Branch, GA and Lynn Zelgewicz of Canton, GA.

Mr. Brown is survived by 14 grandchildren Michael Brown, Billy Brown, Katie Brown, Brian Harris, Brad Harris, Beth Pittman, Joel Brown, Jason Brown, Jeannie Brown, Brittany Burris, Brianna Harding, Jonathan Kaplan, Alan Brown, Rachel Kaplan and 19 great-grandchildren.

Funeral services will be held on Thursday, November 9, 2017 at 2:00 p.m. in the Chapel of Flanigan Funeral Home with Rev. Blane Spence and Rev. Jerry Bennett officiating.  Interment will follow at Broadlawn Memorial Gardens in Buford, GA. The family will receive friends at the funeral home on Wednesday November 8, 2017 from 2:00 p.m. until 4:00 p.m. and from 6:00 p.m. until 9:00 p.m.  In lieu of flowers the family requests memorial donations to the Center United Methodist Church in memory of William “Billy” Brown.  A check payable to Center UMC, c/o Reverend Blain Spence, 5991 Warpath Road, Flowery Branch, GA 30542.  Following the funeral and burial services, the family welcomes all friends and family to join in a celebration of life with food and drink at the residence of his son John Brown at 1675 Brickton Station, Buford, GA 30518.

To express condolences, please sign our online guest book at www.flaniganfuneralhome.com.  Arrangements By: Junior E. Flanigan of Flanigan Funeral Home and Crematory, Buford, GA (770) 932-1133.