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Richard Lee Brown

October 15, 1954 ~ November 13, 2025

Born in: Charleston, West Virginia
Resided in: Gainesville, Florida

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Richard Lee Brown passed away on November 13, 2025 following a courageous fight against a long-term illness. He was born October 15, 1954 in Charleston, WV. He moved many times as a child but had his fondest adolescent years in Virgina, where he enjoyed playing guitar in bands. For his senior year of high school, he moved with his family to Keystone Heights, Fl. where he met his future wife, Kathleen Smith Brown (1956-2004). Through much diligence and hard work, he moved up the ranks from materials handler, electrician, quality manager and retired as a quality engineer for a U.S defense contracting company. After raising his family in Gainesville, Fl. he resided for many years in Lake Mary, Fl., until the loss of his first wife, Kathleen Brown. In 2006, he met his second wife, Hilda Hough Brown, and moved back to Gainesville. They were married the same year and they recently celebrated their 19th wedding anniversary.

Richard loved to play and collect guitars, to golf, and to fish. He enjoyed spending time in Cedar Key, Marathon and Key West or anywhere family was gathered. Richard was known for his sharp wit and wonderfully dry sense of humor. Even during his multiple hospitalizations at the end of life, he used his good-natured humor and sarcasm to bring smiles to the staff who cared for him.

Richard is survived by a large, loving family who will forever cherish his memory including his wife Hilda Brown (Gainesville, FL), his eldest son, Christopher Brown and his wife Amanda Brown (Gainesville, FL) and his youngest son Timothy Brown and his wife Stacy Brown (Palm Coast, FL). He has six grandchildren Meadow Brown (19), Devin Brown (18), Madeleine Brown (17), Mason Brown (15), Ellie Brown (12), and Gracie Brown (7).

He is also survived by his mother, Peggy Brown of Charleston, SC, his sister Roxanna Bendixen (John) of Charleston, SC. His sister Vickey Doxey (Marvin) of Keystone Heights, FL and several nieces, nephews, grand-nieces and grand-nephews. He was predeceased by his father James Brown and his brother Allen Brown.

Crevasse’s Simple Cremation is honored to serve the Brown family.

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  1. He was a kind man with a wonderful sense of humor. I feel lucky to have been part of his family. He will be deeply missed by all.

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  3. Richard Brown was a loving father-in-law to me and a cherished grandfather to my children. He raised a devoted husband and dedicated father, and through that gift my entire life has been shaped and blessed. Richard was also a father figure to me for as long as my own father was, and in the absence of my own, I am profoundly grateful to have had him in my life. His love, example, and legacy will always remain a blessing in our family. We will miss you deeply, Richard.

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  4. I love and miss you so much dad. Thank you for everything you have taught me and all the times you have helped me. I couldn’t have asked for a better person to be my dad and I am honored that it was you. You mean the absolute world to me and I love you so much, you will be missed.

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  6. Richard always made me feel welcome, and it was a pleasure chatting with him over a beer, a dinner, or a stroll. I will miss his caustic wit and his relaxed ways. Shine on you crazy diamond.

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  9. I think it’s important to Remember that sometimes in life we get the opportunity to choose our family. Brielle and I have found more love and support in people that are not bounded by blood and it’s a very special and comforting realization. I feel so honored and blessed that Brielle and I got to make this choice with Richard and Hilda, and that they picked us too. Richard’s presence will forever be missed. Even at his worst I can close my eyes and still see a smile on his face. Because to his core that’s who Richard was; a fighter, witty, always on stand by for a good laugh, and most importantly always had a smile on his face. We love you Richard. I know your soul is at peace. We will see you again one day on the other side.

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