Louis Thomas (L.T.) Brown, Jr., 90, of Conyers, formerly from Lithonia, passed away on Friday, May 10, at New Century Hospice in Conyers.
He was preceded in death by wife, Ladema Brown and stepson, Michael Taylor.
Survivors are his wife, Jessie Walker Brown of Conyers; stepdaughter, Debbie Drew and Michael of San Antonio, TX; stepson, Robert F. Taylor of Laguna Beach, Ca.; brother, Bill Brown and Fran of Lake Placid, Fla.; grandchildren, Kayla and Noah Drew of San Antonio; grandchildren, Melanie and Paige Taylor of Laguna Beach, Ca.; nieces, Debra Ashby of Sebring, Fla. and Karen Dunlap of Hanover, Pa.; nephew, Dean Brown of Lake Placid, Fla.; niece, Mary Jo Dowling and Pat of Conyers; brothers-in-law, Johnny Swallows and Jane of Sale Creek, Tenn.; Jeff Swallows and Jan of Ringgold, Ga.; sisters-in-law, Joyce Cunningham and Betty Thomas, both of Sale Creek.
L.T. was born in Columbia, S.C. His family later moved to Florida where he attended schools and graduated from Miami High School where he was active in track and won many awards. He was known as a champion jitterbug dancer. While in high school he became interested in woodworking and continued the hobby throughout his adult life. After high school graduation he immediately took a position at Southern Bell. He was transferred to the BellSouth headquarters in Atlanta and remained there until he retired at BellSouth after 40 years. He was drafted into the U.S. Army in 1943 during World War II and was discharged in 1946. He served in New Guinea, Southern Philippines and Luzon where his unit was the first to arrive to set up the communications system. He received various decorations and citations including the World War II Victory Medal and Philippine Liberation Medal. L.T. attended the University of Illinois while in the Army and later the University of Miami.
Later in life L.T. renewed his enthusiasm for dancing and joined a ballroom dance club in Conyers. He became a performer in dance recitals produced by Dominy's School of Performing Arts where he was a featured swing dancer and lead character in the recital scripts. He was also recognized for his vegetable gardening skills and shared with neighbors and friends. L.T. was an active member of Ebenezer United Methodist Church in Conyers, the Prime Timers and Betty Hammonds Sunday School Class. For many years he was also active in the Lutheran Via De Cristo movement and served on their set-up team for weekend retreats. He later supported the Methodist Walk to Emmaus activities. He served as president of the Lithonia Lions Club and as secretary for 15 years. He was also a member of ROMEOS.
Visitation will be on Friday, May 17, from 5 p.m. until 7 p.m. at Scot Ward Funeral Services in Conyers. A Memorial Service will be held on Saturday, May 18, 2013 at 11 a.m. at Ebenezer United Methodist Church with Rev. Mike Nickolich officiating. Honorary pallbearers include the Prime Timers, Lions Club members (past or present) and ROMEOS. The Patriot Guard Riders will escort the family to the church and participate in a patriotic section of the service. Interment will be held at a later date at Arlington Memorial Park in Sandy Springs. In lieu of flowers contributions can be made in memory of L.T. to honor his grandson, Noah Drew, to the following address, Research Down Syndrome, 180 W. Adams Street, Suite 300, Chicago, IL 60603 In memory of Louis T. Brown to honor his grandson Noah Drew. Condolences may be submitted on-line at www.scotward.com.
