James Winfred Brown, Sr., age 96, of Selma, went to his heavenly home December 11, 2018.  Winfred was born February 10, 1922 in Rocky Head,  and grew up farming in Dale County.

James Winfred Brown, son of Mr. and Mrs. H. B. Brown of Ariton, AL received his commission in the United States Naval Reserve.  He was a graduate of Ariton High School, class of 41 and was active on the campus having been president of 4-H club, class historian, co-salutatorian and president of Student Body.

He enrolled at Howard College School of Engineering and Arts in Birmingham and began the study of Pharmacy.  In the fall of 1942 he was sworn into the United States Naval Reserve class V-1.  Upon completion of his sophomore year he was transferred to class V-7 and later to class V-12.

During college he was treasurer of the Intra-fraternity council, President of Pi Kappa Alpha Fraternity and won a letter with the Navy Sea Dogs, Howard’s Varsity Football team.  After receiving his final V-12 training he was accepted for further training as a line officer in the United States Naval Reserve Midshipman’s School, Plattsburg, NY and was commissioned as Ensign June 27, 1944.

Ensign Brown then reported to the Amphibious Training Base Camp Bradford, Norfolk, VA, where he underwent a rigorous training program and upon completion of this course became divisional gunnery officer aboard the U.S.S. LST 803. He was then transferred from the Atlantic to the Pacific waters.

Mr. Brown launched Brown Drug Company in 1952.  Brown Drug was more than just a drug store; customers went for gifts, refreshments, riding Sandy, the horse and warm smiles.

In that same year he, along with his wife of sixty-four years, Maude Ellen Jordan Brown, were charter members of Elkdale Baptist Church.  At Elkdale he served as bus driver, Chairman of the Deacons, Finance Chairman, Sunday School Superintendent, Brotherhood President and championed various building expansions.

A faithful servant of Christ, Winfred and Maude Ellen were a tireless team, constantly visiting hospitals, nursing homes and shut-ins to encourage others.

Winfred was involved with many community causes, among them the Polio Drive, Chamber of Commerce membership drive and Habitat for Humanity. 

His hobbies included beekeeping, woodworking, banquet speaking and cheering on the Atlanta Braves.  His love of the water included vacations at the beach and Lake Mitchell, where he would spend countless hours teaching friends and family to water ski.

After Maude Ellen’s passing in 2013, Winfred enjoyed three and one-half years as self-appointed “Mayor” at Cedar Hill Assisted Living in Selma, followed by four and one-half months at Hatley Health Care in Clanton.  At both residences he remained a blessing to all those with whom he came in contact.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Maude Ellen Jordan Brown; son, Winfred Brown, Jr.; parents, Horace Bryan and Carrie Lou Brown; brother, Earl T. Brown; sister, Doris Brown Paulk and grandson, Kyle Jordan Atchison.

He is survived by his children, Durwood Jordan Brown (Karen) and Carolyn Brown Atchison (Ralph Lee); brother, Horace Ross Brown; grandchildren, Kendall Hibiske (David), Brittany Griffin (Jimmy), Suzanne Atchison Lufkin and Lisa Atchison, and great-grandchildren, Jax Griffin, Aurora Griffin, Ella Hibiske, Avery Hibiske, Noelle Atchison, Ryan Atchison, Gabriel Lufkin, Harper Lufkin, Maverick Griffin, Andrew Hibiske, Lyra Griffin and Titus Griffin.

Funeral services will be Saturday, December 15, 2018 at 11 a.m. at Elkdale Baptist Church with Rev. Cory Horton and Rev. J. B. Brown officiating.  The family will receive friends prior to the service from 9:30-11 a.m.

Pallbearers will be Martin Chance, Bob McMasters, John Lackeos, Bobby Johnson, Bill Davis and Bill Cauley.  Honorary pallbearers will be Thad Bruner. Adney Taylor, Freddie Yates, Max Dempsey, Quintus Williamson, Forrest Hatfield, Calvin Strickland, Curtis Miley, John Bowers and Ferrell Ford.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorial donations be made to Samaritan’s Purse, P. O. Box 3000, Boone, NC 28607.

You may go online to view obituaries, offer condolences and sign the guest book at http://www.selmafuneralhome.com/.