James R. Brown

James Rayford Brown, known as Rayford, of Smiths Station, Alabama, passed away at Piedmont Columbus Regional Hospital on Monday, October 19, 2020 at the age of 85. Private graveside services are being held at Lakeview Memory Gardens.  He was born December 10, 1934 in Roanoke, Alabama. Preceded in death by his parents Jim and Mary Brown and siblings Robert Brown, Aubry Brown, Avery Brown, Oren Brown, Gertrude Walker, Eris Reddock, Mac Rushton, and Jimmy Bridges. Survived by wife Julia “Judy” Pelham Crews-Brown, married October 3, 2000; son Mitchell Dewayne Brown and the late Donna Brown; son Michael Ray Brown and wife Deana Marie Brown; son Ralph Donald Crews Jr. and wife Piper Crews; son Richard Delane Crews and wife Amy Good Crews. Grandchildren: Lanie Elizabeth Brown, Michael Blaine Brown, Ruth Anne Crews, Erika Jane Crews, Joshua Donald Crews, Julia DeLane Crews, John Everett Crews, Addi Ford, Natalie Deperso, and John Deperso;  Great-grandchildren: Brody Wayne Dale.

Career: Ray spent most of his adult life in the welding and fabrication industry. After his stint in the military where he served overseas in Korea, he immediately took a position at West Point Foundry and Machine Company. After which he moved into the industrial welding supply industry and stayed that course until owning his own business and eventually retiring at the age of 63. He and his wife are active members of Golden Acres Baptist Church in Phenix City.

Favorite Activities: Ray loved spending time with his family, especially his grandchildren who adored him. He loved to go camping, eat a good meal, fellowship with other members of his church, and was an avid NASCAR fan.

Ray Brown will be deeply and fondly missed by all who knew him.