of Conway, AR
April 27, 1924 - September 16, 2020
B.L. Brown, 96, went home to be with his heavenly Father on Wednesday, September 16th in Conway, Arkansas. He was a beloved father, grandfather, and great-grandfather that was born in Floral, Arkansas, on April 27, 1924 to the late Bird and Clara Ward Brown.
B.L. lived all of his childhood in Floral where his parents operated the local grocery. During WWII, he joined the Army and fought in the Battle of the Bulge being one the soldiers that landed on the Omaha Beach. He followed Patton through the Ardennes Forest in France and for his injuries and service received the Purple Heart and Four Bronze Service Stars.
Immediately after WWII, he married the love of his life, Buena Schmidt Brown. Together B.L. and Buena took over the ownership of Brown's Grocery in Floral from his parents. They operated it until their retirement. Being a hardworking businessman, B.L. was the postmaster at Floral for 34 years. He also was proud to be a 32nd Degree Mason.
Upon retirement, B.L. and Buena loved to camp and travel with family and friends. They especially enjoyed Bluegrass Festivals and spending the winters in Brownsville, Texas. B.L. adored his grandchildren and often took them on camping trips with them.
When health issues became a problem and his wife of almost 70 years had passed away, B.L. moved closer to family in Conway where he lived for almost 3 years.
B.L. was a Christian and a longtime member of Floral Baptist Church. Upon moving to Conway, he joined Wooster First Baptist Church where he was the oldest member.
B.L. is survived by his two sons: Daryl (Becky) Brown of Floral and Denny (Diane) Brown of Wooster; four grandchildren, Brent (Carrie) Brown of Wooster, Kent (Mitzi) of Conway, Elaine (Michael) Lambert of Conway, and Jeremy Robinson of Olathe, Kansas; four great-granddaughters, Callen and Chandler Brown of Wooster and Kate Lambert of Conway, Jesse (Mitch) Berney of Indianapolis, IN.; three great-great grandsons, Emerson Cooper, Paxton and Oliver Berney; one brother-in-law, James (Carol) Schmidt of Sand Springs, Oklahoma; and numerous nieces, nephews and friends. He was preceded in death by his parents, his wife, and all of his siblings: Waymond Brown, Oleta (Brownie) Guthrie, Victoria (Lynn) Lanier, Lynn Brown, Rilla (Fred) Powell, and a baby sister, Mildred.
Funeral service will be held at Floral Baptist Church in Floral on Saturday, September 19th at 11:00 a.m. with Bro. Keith Hicks and Bro. Mike Fowler officiating. Family visitation will be one-hour prior. Burial will follow at Cedar Grove Cemetery.
Serving as pallbearers will be Charles Smith, Wayne Gay, Tom Gay, Cam Gay, Phillip Gay, and Chris Tharp.
Honorary Pallbearers will be Brent Brown, Kent Brown, Jeremy Robinson, Michael Lambert, Mike Guthrie, and Rodney Guthrie.
Remembrances may be made to the building fund of Wooster First Baptist Church, P.O. Box 218, Wooster AR 72181 or the Floral Baptist Church Children's Playground Fund at P.O. 96, Floral, AR 72534.
We are complying with the Arkansas Department of Health guidelines and limiting indoor funeral and visitation attendance at this time. All attendees must provide and wear their own masks before entering and social distancing will be observed.
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26 Condolence(s)
Afton and Barbara Simmons
Saturday, September 19, 2020
Denny, Diane & Family: Sorry for your loss. May God bless and comfort you all through this time.
Andy Gay
Saturday, September 19, 2020
It's sad for us left behind to loose someone as wonderful as B.L. even though we know he has gone on to a much better place. I have so many fond memories growing up in Floral with B.L. and Buena, also Denny and Daryl. I could list so many. When I was young, people who came to Floral usually came to B.L.'s or K.C.'s or Mutt's. They are all gone now. He will be missed.
Tabitha Ponder Jennings
Saturday, September 19, 2020
So sorry i could not be there to say this with dad but prayers and bl will be sorely missed!
Anne Ramsey
Friday, September 18, 2020
My prayers are with the Brown family in their loss. Men who served their country and community as B.l. did made our nation great. I will always re-
member his kindness. Anne Ramsey
Decker / Betz Family
Friday, September 18, 2020
Our prayers at this time.
Daryl Thomas
Friday, September 18, 2020
My prayers go out for the family. BL was a true gentleman. I will always have fond memories of him. God bless.
Jonathan Rea
Friday, September 18, 2020
Denny, Diane & Family: Sorry for your loss. May God bless you all.
Jon & Jackie Rea
JANNETTE MEEKS
Friday, September 18, 2020
BL WAS A WONDERFUL AND SWEET PERSON, I USED TO WORK AT THE FLORAL STORE AND WAS HONORED TO OF MET THE BROWN FAMILY. HE WILL BE MISSED.
Sue Lanier
Friday, September 18, 2020
Uncle BL, You were and are so loved! I wish I could be there in person, but I will be there in Spirit.
Don & Betty Warden
Friday, September 18, 2020
We thought the world of BL & Buena. They were true friends.
Kay Southerland
Friday, September 18, 2020
BL will be missed so very much. I am grateful that we shared so many wonderful stories at our family reunions. I will be out of town Saturday, but my thoughts and prayers will be with all the family and friends.
Cameron & Kayla Gay
Friday, September 18, 2020
Condolences to the family. Our hearts are sad to lose such a great man. He loved BL very much. He was good to both our families.
Lennie & Laura Frazier
Friday, September 18, 2020
Very sweet memories from my childhood of this sweet, kind and generous man... Laura
Chancey Warden
Friday, September 18, 2020
What a great example Mr. Brown was! Condolences from my family.
-Chancey, Nicole, Shelby and Blayne
Mary McCrary
Friday, September 18, 2020
Some of my best childhood memories are of going to the store in Floral, and getting snacks and groceries with Granny (Delma Wilcox). She would buy our shoes there and we would always visit with BL and Buena Brown, that's what we called them, collectively, not individually. :)
They were always very kind and warm, and we always looked forward to going. As I drove through Floral a few weeks ago, I thought about them, I do every time. They were good people and I know you will miss him terribly.
Janice Sanders Callahan
Friday, September 18, 2020
I'm so sorry for your loss. My daddy was Edward Sanders (Ava Davis Sanders). He was born and raised there at Floral and I've always heard lots of nice things about your family. My grandma Hattie also admired the Browns too. They lived up on Gay Hill (Peach Orchard now) and went to the store for many many years. They are all deceased now but when I think of Floral, I always think of the Browns Store. May God give you comfort at this time.
Janice
Tanya D Frazier
Thursday, September 17, 2020
He will truly missed!
SuAnne Brumley
Thursday, September 17, 2020
He’s rejoicing to be in his lord Jesus and Buena’s arms. My sympathies to the family. May God bless all of you with patience and strength for the time coming. God bless you all.
Curtis Griffith
Thursday, September 17, 2020
Lots of memories from this man and family. A great guy. Prayers for all of the family.
Brenda
Thursday, September 17, 2020
So sorry to here of his his passing. He was a great man. I will always remember of all the things he done for my family. Will be miss.
David & Maletha Barnett
Thursday, September 17, 2020
Our love and prayers are with this dear family during this difficult time.
Rick and Sandee Reynolds
Thursday, September 17, 2020
B L was a sweet man. God comfort the family with His great love and care.
Joe and Brenda Ball
Thursday, September 17, 2020
With grateful hearts for the service of Mr. B.L. to our country and condolences to his sweet family.
Melissa Brock Anderson
Thursday, September 17, 2020
Sweet man always with a smile. His family and friends will miss him. A loss for Earth, a gain for Heaven.
Ronnie Gay
Thursday, September 17, 2020
So sorry to here of his passing he was a great of our family I am sure him and dad have a lot of catching up do
Srable and Anna Fay gay
Thursday, September 17, 2020
Lee and Ann gay