Gene Raymond Brown

Gene Raymond Brown of Niceville, Florida passed away on Monday, January 3, 2022, at the age of 80. After nine years of battling cancer, he passed away peacefully with his loving family by his side.

Gene was born in Lakeland, Florida, on August 29, 1941, to Raymond and Lou Ada Brown.  He was preceded in death by his parents and his younger brother, Billy Brown. 

Gene is survived by his wife of 61 years, Gloria Brown; daughter Lynda Pannelli (Dominic), son Tim Brown (Debbie), daughter April Branscome (David); four grandchildren: Dominic Pannelli, Jr. (Chrissy), Ashton Pannelli Barrera (Alex), Timmy Brown (Kayla), Taylor Jordan (Megan); and 14 great grandchildren. He was a member of the Army National Guard and a retired brick mason of 42 years, and one of the founding members of the “Boggy Boys.”

If you asked anyone who Gene “Pa” Brown was, they’d all say that he was one of the best fishermen they knew:  was passionate about fishing and always ready to go.  Then they’d probably say that he knew the Choctawhatchee River like the back of his hand because he spent many hours searching out the best fishing holes.  Many who knew him heard a lot of great fishing stories from him, and, the funny thing is, that most of them were true!  Even when his health kept him from taking out his own bass boat, his son (Tim Brown) would make sure that he went fishing.  He continued to check the river levels and connect with his friends to get their fishing reports when he was unable to go.

A visitation for Gene is planned for Friday, January 7, 2022, from 10 am to 11 am at Heritage Gardens Funeral Home, 2201 North Partin Drive, Niceville, Florida 32578.  All are invited to attend. The funeral will follow immediately at 11 am. 

In lieu of flowers, people wishing to honor Gene’s life can make donations to Crosspoint Niceville Benevolence Fund.  Please send all donations to 214 Partin Drive South, Niceville, Florida 32578, in Gene’s name. 

Gene is now fishing in Heaven with Jesus by his side.

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