Roger C. Brown, Jr.

On Wednesday, August 11, 2021, a beloved son, brother, husband, father, grandfather, soldier and loyal life-long friend, Roger Clifton Brown, Jr., departed this life and entered into his eternal rest.

Years ago our Roger made it clear that he was only allowed to do things By God, whom he called "The Good Lord". He understood that his life was nothing that he did on his own.

Roger Brown, son, of the late Clifton Brown and the late Ethel Sawyer Brown was born June 13, 1929, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. He received his formal education in the Philadelphia school systems. He earned an informal education in the tough streets of Philadelphia. Roger completed his adult education at Central Piedmont Community College in Charlotte, NC obtaining a certification for autobody work. He could not stress enough the importance of reading.

Roger would be the first to say he lived a good and fulfilling life with no regrets. Some of his accomplishments he was most proud of:

• As a young man in the US Army serving in WWII, he was chosen to march before the Queen of England circa 1950.
• The Consul General of France honored Roger and his fellow veterans for their noble contributions to end World War II and was presented with the "Thank You America" certificate in the liberation of France during June 1944 to May 1945.
• The German Ambassador was pleased to present him with the "Federal Republic of Germany Friendship Award" in celebration of the 60th anniversary of the "Berlin Airlift". He was an extraordinary citizen in America and recognized for his commitment in promoting excellent relations between America and Germany.
• Rallied for many worthy causes (civil rights, veterans rights). His efforts would help them become better men and women and to gain the respect, knowledge, opportunities and benefits due to them.
• Led strike and won union case against Radar Specialty in early 60's for fair wages for employees.
• First black truck driver for Central Motor Lines after filing and winning lawsuit for discrimination 1965
• Served as Shop Steward at Central Motor Lines for 15 years. He declined the desk position to continue to work on the front line and get the information for grievances first hand
• Member of Friendship Missionary Baptist Church
• A founder of Save-Seed Program to support black young men who didn't have fathers present in their lives
• Was listed as a nominee to be the Boxing Commissioner
• Was selected to participate in the christening of the USS CHARLOTTE
• President of the Local Union-Radiator Specialist 1963
• Post Commander for Charlotte Mecklenburg Co Veterans Council (VFW) 1973
• Commander VFW for Sgt. WE Robinson Post 1981
• Served as the 2016 Past-Post Commander Post Service Officer of AM Post 380 American Legion
• A proud Mason served as DH Affiliated Past Grand Lodge Office in NC
• Grand Master's Appointment Deputy of the Knights of Pythagoras helping young men ages 8-20 to walk wisely into manhood
• Roger worked tirelessly with Kelly Alexander, Sr. in the NAACP
• He kept up with politics, world news and sports
• He had a great sense of humor. His favorite phrase "I hear that" now silent will be missed but he leaves countless memories to all who knew him.

Roger, brother, was the eldest of eight children born to Clifton and Ethel. He is survived by his baby sister 80 years young Cassandra Jackson (Herbert) of Sharon Hill, Pennsylvania. He was preceded in death by siblings Vivian Reed, Louise Tucker, Edward, Leon, Carlton and Eugene Brown.

Roger, the husband, pulled the one armed bandit and was lucky enough in one lifetime to have been married to two strong, supportive and loving women for a total of 50 years: the late Hannah Moore Brown (21 years) and the late Bessie Gaddy Brown (29 years).

Roger, the father "Daddyman", and Hannah were parents to: Sylvia Brown Baldwin (Keith) of Cantonsville, Maryland; the late Deborah Brown Morgan (Dennis); Gregory Clifton Brown (Brenda) Jacksonville, NC; Monica Brown (Washington, DC); Amelia Brown Glover (Rogers) of Charlotte, NC.

Upon marrying Bessie, Roger became a stepfather to: Bridgette Easterling Raspberry of Garner, NC; Dana Easterling Rhenwrick (Nathaniel) of Kennedale, TX; Robert Easterling, Jr. (Tanisha) of Loganville, GA.

He was proud to have had a helping hand serving up fatherly love mixed in with some tough love in guiding all eight children into becoming independent, productive and caring adults.

Roger, the grandfather "Papa" to: Sylvia Glover, Maria Glover, Gregory Johnston, Kourtney Bennett Arroyo (Juan) and Christopher Holland, Nathaniel Rhenwick, Ayla Easterling and Micah Easterling. Sylvia loved to "shock" her papa keeping a twinkle in his eyes, a grin on his face and a little pep in his step.

Roger, the life-long friend to: the late Beryl Carlton, Jr. and Thomas McGill of Philadelphia, PA.

Roger would say he was blessed to have had in his life a host of other wonderful family members, great grandchildren, nieces, nephews and special friends.

_______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

In lieu of flowers, please make donations to:

Military Ministry of Friendship Missionary Baptist Church, Online Donations .