Henry Gilbert Brown Jr.

Henry Gilbert Brown, Jr., affectionately known to family and friends as Da, passed away peacefully at his home in Chapin on Monday. He was born on April 12, 1935, in Ridgeland, South Carolina, to Henry Gilbert Brown, Sr. and Kathleen Horton Brown. He was blessed with a long, active, and fulfilling life devoted to family, the outdoors, service to his state, and the many friendships he made along the way.

Gilbert married the love of his life, Betty Jane Brown, on December 19, 1959. Together, they built a marriage that lasted more than six decades and was filled with love, family, travel, adventure, and countless shared ventures. Betty Jane was his partner in every sense of the word, and their life together was one of the greatest sources of his happiness and pride.

Gilbert was a proud graduate of the University of Georgia, receiving his degree in Forestry in 1957. He remained a loyal and enthusiastic Georgia Bulldog throughout his life. He was a season ticket holder for many years and took great pride in following the Dawgs, sharing the excitement and traditions of Georgia football with family and friends.

Following graduation, Gilbert began what would become a distinguished 40-year career with the South Carolina State Forestry Commission, where he served from 1957 until his retirement in 1997. His career carried him from the Lowcountry to the Midlands of South Carolina, giving him the opportunity to work across the state he loved. He ultimately served as Deputy State Forester, the second-highest position within the Commission. His career reflected his knowledge of forestry, his dedication to the land, and his commitment to public service.

Retirement, however, did not mean slowing down for Gilbert. It simply gave him the freedom to pursue some of the things he loved most. He developed a passion for boat building, ultimately building more than six vessels. For Gilbert, building a boat was more than a project—it was a craft, a challenge, and a way of creating something that could be enjoyed with the people he loved.

He especially enjoyed his time on the Chechessee River, where he became what many would affectionately call a true “River Rat.” The river was a place where family and friends gathered, stories were told, and traditions were passed from one generation to the next. Gilbert took particular pleasure in teaching others the joys of shrimping, crabbing, fishing, boating, and simply enjoying life on the river. Those traditions, and the memories created around them, will continue through his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren.

Above all, Gilbert was a family man. He was preceded in death by his oldest son, Henry Gilbert Brown III (Bud), whose memory remained an important part of his life.

He is survived by his beloved wife, Betty Jane Brown; his sister, Angeline Dorrell (Archie); his son Russell Walter Brown (Kim); and his youngest son Craig Richard Brown (April). Brother / Sisters in-law: Jimmy Young (Betsy), Sammy Young (Judy) and Tommy Young (Brenda).

He is also survived by his granddaughter, Jenny Elizabeth Whitmore (Jason); grandsons, Garrett Russell Brown (Karen), and Grayson Riley Brown; Amber Haag (Ryan); Remington Carroll (Patrick); and Garrett Jordan (Emileigh).

His great-grandchildren include Hunter Whitmore, Thomas Whitmore, Riley Jordan, Beckham Carrol, and Crew Carrol.

He is also survived by numerous beloved, nieces, nephews, extended family members, and countless friends whose lives were touched by his friendship and generosity.

Gilbert was a lifelong member of the United Methodist Church and was most recently a member of the Chapin Christian Community Church. He lived an active, adventurous, and remarkably full life. He devoted four decades to his profession, built boats with his own hands, cheered faithfully for his Bulldogs, explored the world with his wife, and spent countless hours on the water with family and friends. But perhaps his greatest legacy will be the traditions he passed down, the stories he told, the people he helped, and the love he gave to his family.

He will be remembered as a devoted husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, brother, friend, outdoorsman, craftsman, forester, and proud South Carolinian.

He was blessed with a long and active life, lived on his own terms and surrounded by the people and places he loved. He will be deeply missed, but the memories, traditions, and love he leaves behind will live on for generations.

Services will be held at 11:00 am on Friday, October 30th at Chapin Christian Community Church (415 Lexington Ave, Chapin, SC 29036). The family will receive friends from 10:00 am – 11:00 am in the sanctuary.

Memorials can be made to Chapin Christian Community Church, Epworth Children’s Home, and We Care in Chapin.