J.R. Brown of Bay Springs, MS, passed away at the age of 71 on September 23,2017. He was born on October 12, 1945 in Laurel, MS, to J.J. and Maurine Grayson Brown of Bay Springs, MS. Visitation will be at Bay Springs Baptist Church from 9:00 to 11:00 on Tuesday, September 26th with services to follow at the church at 11:00. Private family graveside service will be at the Bay Springs City Cemetery. Pallbearers are: Tommy Grayson, Carr Alexander, Orland Stanford, Kenny Vinzant, Edwin Albin, and Bob Douglas. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Bay Springs Baptist Church.

J.R. graduated from Bay Springs High School in 1963, Jones County Junior College in 1965 and he earned a bachelor's and a master's degree from the University of Southern Mississippi. He served as the public address announcer for all University of Southern Mississippi football and basketball games from September of 1976 until September of 1986 working with the late Ace Cleveland, sports information director and the late Roland Dale, athletic director. J.R. also served as as officer in the Phi Kappa Tau fraternity.

After graduating from the University of Southern Mississippi, he served as an educator and principal in the Hattiesburg public school system. A gifted salesman, he resigned in 1972
from the school system to accept a position as non group sales representative for Blue Cross and Blue Shield of MS in the Hattiesburg area. In 1974, he was promoted to corporate sales
representative providing insurance coverage for businesses in the area. With a desire to return home, and with the support of wife, Nancy, they returned to Bay Springs and built and opened a Fred's discount store franchise in 1979. Fred's was one of the largest and only retail establishments of its type in the town at the time. J.R. managed and operated the store until 1989
when he sold the store back to the parent company in order to resume his career in the insurance industry. He opened a State Farm Insurance Agency in 1985 and continued operation for the
next 32 years until retiring in May of 2017. His prolific insurance career was reflected by numerous awards. He qualified for 28 years as an ambassador traveler for State Farm. He was
an MDRT qualifier, an exotic traveler for the company, president's club four times, silver scroll,and crystal excellence qualifier. He was an excellent public speaker, and was often asked to speak to insurance groups on a local, state, and national level. He was a positive influence on his peers and newcomers in the field of insurance. He was a leader in a profession that he loved and never stopped efforts to improve; although, he was truly a master of sales.

His primary hobby was sports. This was evident by his years of involvement and coaching youth sports, particularly baseball. He coached baseball for 18 years in Jasper and Jones county and prided himself on instructing and teaching the game to his players. He was instrumental in starting "farm league" baseball in Bay Springs, providing an opportunity for younger players to learn the game. He also formed a team of local youth baseball players that traveled to play in an era when today's common travel baseball was unusual. A devoted husband, father, and grandfather, he enjoyed supporting and teaching and watching his five grandchildren. He traveled extensively to attend any event where they were participating. His love of sports also extended to tennis, as he followed his only granddaughter. J.R. loved his community.

He was a past president of the West Jasper Board of Education and active in several businesses, including timber and forestry management. He loved the outdoors and enjoyed hiking and running. He was a Paul Harris Rotary fellow, active both in the Hattiesburg club and later in Bay Springs where he served as president. He supported the town of Bay Springs, the Chamber of Commerce, and numerous local groups and clubs. J.R. was currently serving as director for the Bay Springs High School all years reunion. He was a patriarch and leader to many. His leadership and public speaking ability were evident as he could easily adapt to roles as emcee, auctioneer, speaker, coach and many more. He took pride in preparation and the honor of giving nine eulogies for friends and family. He often joked he never went very far in life because he was the fourth generation of his family to live on the family's land. J.R. was an active member of Bay Springs Baptist Church and Sunday school.

He is survived by his wife of 44 years, Nancy Thornell Brown originally from Vicksburg, MS and his children, Jill Brown Rowley (Adrian) of Tuscaloosa, AL and Jay Brown (Mary Tison) of Jackson, MS as well as grandchildren Sampson (Sam) Brown Rowley, Alice Manning Rowley, James Gibson Brown, Andrew (Andy) Fleming Brown, and Owen Tison Brown. He was preceded in death by his parents J.J. and Maurine Brown and brother Thomas E. Brown all of Bay Springs, MS.