William Floyd Brownlee

Born in 1940 in Downsville, Louisiana, Bill was the first born son of the late Ford Brownlee and Mary Tripp. After his parents divorce, Bill and his 3 siblings were raised by his paternal Aunt Bez and Uncle Harvey in a small house in Calhoun, Louisiana also shared with his widowed Aunt Ruby and her 2 daughters. It was a chaotic rural farming blue collar household blessed with the ties of extended family.

He graduated from Calhoun High School in 1956 where he was an accomplished basketball player. Following in his father’s footsteps, he joined the Marines in 1957 where he was stationed in the Philippines. He treasured his time in the Marines and frequently expressed fond memories with pride in the opportunity to serve his country.

He married the love of his life, Sylvia Futch, in 1960 while attending Southeastern Louisiana College on a basketball scholarship until his first daughter (of 3) was born in 1961. He worked as a truck driver for several years before transitioning into logistics management. He was instrumental in negotiating teamsters’ contracts for which he once received a backhanded compliment from the group he represented when he was presented with a trophy of the backside of a donkey entitled “Stubborn But Fair”. His work in logistics evolved throughout his career which culminated into him as a logistics consultant for various corporations such as Kroger and McDonald’s.

After retirement, Sylvia continued working while he became the after school caretaker for two of his grandchildren for several years. Never much of a cook or housekeeper, he nevertheless became the housekeeper, cook and personal caretaker for his beloved Sylvia as she fought and lost her battle against metastatic breast cancer in 2009.

He and Sylvia were active members of First Baptist of Snellville (now Church on Main) where he continued his active membership after the loss of Sylvia as a youth sports referee and coach. His favorite volunteer role at the church was his many years serving as a greeter. He enjoyed welcoming all comers with his big warm smile and twinkling eyes while sharing the love of Jesus.

Bill was his happiest when fellowshipping with his family and made sure to keep in frequent contact with extended family throughout the country his entire life. We will all miss his genteel spirit, his affection and concern for others, and his deep appreciation of the simple pleasures of life.

In addition to his parents, Bill was preceded in death by his wife of 47 years, Sylvia Brownlee; his brother, Bob Brownlee, and his sister, Charlotte Smith.

Survivors include his daughters; Crystal Hoadley, Cheryl Brownlee and Caron Brownlee; his sister, Tricia Greene; and his grandchildren; Cheston Brownlee, Zac Hoadley, Tressa Brownlee, Madison Hoadley, Ellery Brownlee and Cy Brownlee.

A Celebration Of Life service will be held at Church on Main in Snellville, GA on Tuesday, April 28, 2026. Visitation will be 11am-1pm. Service will be at 1pm followed by a graveside service at Eternal Hills Cemetery in Snellville, GA.

Memorial donations in Bill’s honor can be made to the Benevolence Fund of Church on Main on their website: https://www.churchonmain.net/give