Billy Ray Brown

Billy Ray Brown, 89, of the Forstonia Community, husband of Helen Scarborough Brown, completed his journey of faith on Thursday, November 19, 2020, at his home surrounded by members of his beloved family. He married Helen Scarborough on March 16, 1951.
He is survived by three sons: Mike (Karen), Barry (Pam), Kyle (Sandra); and seven grandchildren: Laura, Michael, Jake (Sunny), Andy (Kayla), Jesse, Amy, Emily (Cole); and three great grandchildren: Sadie Ray, Luke, and Carlton.

He was a member of the Elberton Pentecostal Holiness Church and served as a Sunday School teacher, Sunday School Superintendent, Deacon, and Building committee chairman. Billy Ray was also an extended member of Gideons international.

Mr. Brown was preceded in death by parents Ernest and Ina Brown and siblings: John Willis Brown, Sherman Neil Brown, and Margaret Hiott; as well as in-laws: Mae Brown, Calvin Hill, Neal and Doris Johnson, Billy Johnson, Lillian Scarborough, Kay Scarborough, and Johnny Dobson. He is survived by his wife of 69 years, Helen Brown, and siblings: Nita Hill of Elberton, GA and Vicky Johnson of Elberton, GA; as well as in-laws, Betty Brown, Steve Johnson, Thomas and Melanie Scarborough, Fan Johnson, Bobbie Dobson, and Jimmy Scarborough.

Born on April 23, 1931, in Elbert County, he attended Nancy Hart Memorial School and graduated high school in 1948. He spent two years in the US Army during the Korean War. After completing his military service, he worked for Curtis Candy Company for many years and was known as “The Candy Man”. When Curtis Candy Company took salespersons off the road, he developed Brown Wholesale and used the same route over a five-county area for many years.

Mr. Brown was appointed to the Elbert County Commission Board to complete the term of his father following his death. He was later elected to that position and served four more years on the board. He was then elected and served as Elbert County Commission Chairman for twenty years. He retired from that position in 1992 having never lost an election. He also served on the Broad River Soil and Water District Board. After retiring from the county, he sold granite for Childs and Childs Granite Company. In retirement, he and his wife Helen enjoyed spending time with family, church, and traveling in the United States and Canada.

Public viewing is scheduled for Tuesday, November 24, from 9:00a.m.-4:30p.m. at Berry Funeral Home. Graveside services will be Friday, November 27, at 11 AM at Forest Hills Memorial Park. Officiating ministers will be Pastor Matthew Brown and Pastor Brian Williams. Pallbearers will include Michael Brown, Andy Brown, Jake Brown, Jesse Brown, Cole Daniel, Emory Goggans, Clay Johnson, and Douglas Slay

In lieu of flowers, the family respectfully requests donations be made to Elberton Pentecostal Holiness Church (822 Heard Drive, Elberton, GA 30635) for Camp Newford.

Those wishing may sign the online guestbook at www.berryfh.com.

Berry Funeral Home & Crematory of Elberton is respectfully in charge of arrangements for Billy Ray Brown.