JACKSONVILLE - Ronald Shelton Brown of Jacksonville, North Carolina conceded a valiant battle to leukemia on December 11, 2016. Funeral services will be held at 11:00 AM on Saturday, December 17, 2016 at Jones Funeral Home, Jacksonville Chapel.

Ron was born in Jacksonville on May 2, 1949 and honored his birthplace in choosing to make his life and career there. He truly loved his community and gave himself to it through his time in radio, construction, volunteer work, leadership and friendship. A genuine man of the sea, his heart belonged to coastal Carolina and the wealth of resources it embodies. He was a boatsman, a fisherman, an oysterman, a diver, and a sailor. He was particularly fond of the New River, and his passionate and persuasive articulation of its importance made him its best possible ambassador.

He was preceded in death by his father, Irving Shelton Brown; and mother, Sibyl Floyd Hewlett.

Survivors include his wife and best friend, Tracey Brown; his two sons, Seth Brown(Jessie Brown) and Jeb Brown(Shawn Brown); his sister, Sharon Cone(Fred Cone); his brother, John Christopher "Kit" Brown; two stepdaughters, Angela McTindal(Mac McTindal) and Gena Hill; grandchildren, Tybie, Blake, Emery, Chatham, Lauren, Caden and Colton; close extended family and countless friends.

Ronald Brown prioritized others over himself. He fought to live, courageously, so that he could give his time and body to the effort to someday find a cure. Leukemia met its greatest adversary when it encountered the salt in his veins.

The family will receive friends Friday evening, December 16th from 6 – 8 PM at the funeral home.

In lieu of flounders, please make memorials to Onslow Caregivers, Inc., Hospice House, PO Box 7034,
Jacksonville, NC 28540.