Robert Righton Brown

Robert Righton Brown passed away on Friday, December 19, 2025 at New Hanover Memorial Hospital. He was born in Wilmington, North Carolina on August 5, 1930 to Righton Robinson and Janie Moore Brown. He has been married for the last 74 years to the love of his life, Nancy Foreman Brown.

Robert was educated in the New Hanover County School system. While in high school he played semi-pro baseball for several local teams. Upon leaving high school, Robert joined the Air Force on August 23, 1950. After receiving training in Texas and Illinois, he was assigned to an air wing at March Air Force Base, CA which flew B-50s. After B-50s, Robert transitioned to the B-47 Stratojet, flying as a crew chief. Next, he transferred to Goose Bay Air Station, Labrador. While there he was called to assist Air Force One which was having engine problems. He performed maintenance on the plane while President Kennedy slept on board. From there he transferred to Travis Air Force Base, CA. While stationed there, Robert was temporarily assigned to the C-141A Starlifter Test Team at Edwards Air Force Base, CA. Some of the support equipment for the C-141A still used today is based on Robert's original design. For several years he flew C-141A as a flight engineer. He served a tour in Vietnam at Bien Hoa Air Force Base where he was the line chief and maintenance officer for the Field Maintenance Squadron. While there he received the Bronze Star with two clusters for meritorious service. Upon returning to the United States he reported to Warner Robins Air Force Base, GA. Robert retired from the Air Force at Warner Robins in 1970, moving back to Wilmington. In Wilmington he worked for General Electric for eight years and Almont Shipping Company until he retired in 1992. He spent a lot of time doing art. Several of his works can be found in businesses in downtown Wilmington, N.C. Robert was always a choir member at church wherever he lived, most of the time with Nancy as the pianist or director.

Mr. Brown is survived by his wife, Nancy, Also by his two sons, Kenneth and his wife Gwen Brown of Maryland; Glenn and his wife Susan Brown of Georgia. He also has two grandchildren, Jennifer and Matthew (and Alison) of Maryland. He has two great grandchildren Eliza and Eady. He is also survived by his brother Adrian and his wife Toni Brown in San Antonio, Texas.