Ollie Miller Brown

Published 8:16 am Wednesday, May 8, 2013

AHOSKIE – Ollie Miller Brown, age 91, died peacefully in his sleep on Saturday, May 4.  Born in Trap, North Carolina, the son of Thomas and Nancy Brown, Ollie was one of nine children, all of whom he outlived. Ollie was married for 55 years to Hannah May Savage of Ahoskie who preceded him in death.

In World War II, Ollie was selected and trained as an original member of the ski patrol in the 10th Mountain Division.  He served in Italy as a Message Center Chief in the Signal Corps and was awarded two Bronze Stars.

Ollie became president of the Chamber of Commerce in Ahoskie and served on the Town Council, the Board of Trustees for Chowan College, and the regional Board of Directors for Wachovia Bank.  In 1955 he started Brown Realty Company which he operated for many years and also developed and managed Northeastern Development Corporation. Ollie was especially proud to have served as president of his Sunday school class.

Ollie is survived by four children and their spouses: Debbie and Don Ward of Williamsburg, VA, David and Mary Beth Brown of Raleigh, Anna Bess Brown and Eric Hale of Raleigh, and Sam and Kathy Brown of Greenville; and six grandchildren who knew him as “Grandollie”:  Ollie Ward and wife Gaby, Aaron, Jordan and Anna-Margaret Brown, Evan Hale, and Hanan Brown. He is also survived by his sister-in-law, Nita Brown.

Ollie enjoyed many happy mornings at O’Connor’s Restaurant with his breakfast buddies and he reserved Tuesdays at lunch for his friend Jeff Mitchell.

The family is grateful to Ollie’s many neighbors and friends, especially Buzzy Swain and Linda Brown.  Ollie’s children will be forever thankful to Dr. Liles, Casey Pierce and all the angels on the second floor Cancer Center of Vidant Roanoke-Chowan Hospital.

Visitation is planned for Tuesday evening, May 7, at Garrett-Sykes Funeral Service from 7:00 – 8:30 p.m.  A memorial service will be held Wednesday, May 8, at 11:00 a.m. at First Baptist Church of Ahoskie.  In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to First Baptist Church of Ahoskie, P.O. Box 649, Ahoskie, NC27910.

Online condolences may be sent to the family by visiting www.garrettsykesfs.com