Arthur Julian "A.J." Brown, Jr., 88, passed away peacefully on July 24, 2025, surrounded by his loving family. A devoted husband, father, grandfather, and friend, A.J. touched countless lives with his generous spirit and unwavering dedication to others.

Born September 21, 1936, in a log cabin in Hamilton County, Florida, he was the son of the late Arthur Julian Brown, Sr. and Carrie Chambers Brown. He was the middle of three children and was preceded in death by his siblings, Lucille Brown and Carlton B. Brown.

A.J. was preceded in death by his beloved wife of 65 years, Virginia Dare Morgan Brown, who enjoyed a full life with him until her death in 2021. She was truly the love of his life, and, in his own words, "I knew you were the one for me from the first day I met you." He was also preceded in death by his son, Stanley "Stan" Jay Brown.

He is survived by three of his children: Regina Brown Lopez and her husband Alex, Deonna Brown, and Duane Brown. His legacy continues through his grandchildren Julian Morgan Fray (née Tiffanie) and her husband Michael, Dustin Brown, Travis Brown, Desiré Petrin, Michael "Mick" Petrin, Dylan Jay Petrin, and Emily Shea. He was blessed with two great-grandchildren, Dallin Jay Brown and Indie Morgan Fray, as well as special granddaughter Catie Bassler. A.J. also leaves behind a host of cherished nieces, nephews, and extended family members.

For over 30 years, A.J. dedicated his career to Columbia County, working at the state inspection station and in road development as a highly skilled automotive mechanic. Known as a man who could fix anything, his expertise was matched only by his willingness to help anyone at any time. A.J. embodied selfless love, always putting his family's needs above his own and ensuring his children never went without.

His charismatic personality naturally drew people to him, and he had a gift for making lasting connections with everyone he met. A lover of westerns, A.J. embodied the values of those classic heroes—honesty, integrity, and always standing up for what was right. A.J. was a faithful member of the Price Creek Ward of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Lake City, Florida, where he devoted many years to working with the scouting program. As a dedicated scoutmaster, he had the privilege of guiding numerous young men to achieve their Eagle Scout rank, including his own son and two grandsons.

A.J.'s life was a testament to service, sacrifice, and unconditional love. His memory will be cherished by all who knew him, and his legacy of kindness and generosity will be treasured by all who knew and loved him.

A visitation will be held on Monday, July 28, 2025, from 5:00-7:00PM at Gateway-Forest Lawn Funeral Home at 3596 South Highway 441 in Lake City. Funeral services will be held on Tuesday, July 29, 2025, at 11:00AM at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints at 909 SE Country Club Road in Lake City. He will be interred at Forest Lawn Memorial Gardens Cemetery, 3596 South Highway 441, Lake City, immediately after the funeral service. Please join his family and friends to celebrate his life.