Charles Addison Brown Jr.

Charles Addison Brown Jr. “Charley Brown”, 82, passed away on December 21, 2012. He was born on June 23, 1930 to Chuck and Dorothy Brown in Louisville, KY. There he  graduated from Louisville Male High School and was a member of the Athenaeum Literary Association along with other Louisville notables such as Hunter S. Thompson. Charley earned a degree in mechanical engineering with awards for design from Massachusetts Institute of Technology in 1953 and was a brother of Phi Gamma Delta. He also proudly served his country in the United States Navy. Charley relocated to the Jacksonville area in the mid-1970’s where he founded Summerhomes Incorporated, one of the region’s leading new home builders. Charley was not only an innovator in design with a passion for excellence, he was a great mentor who led by example. Charley was the eternal optimist who demonstrated that success could be attained through serving others while still having fun.  By those he mentored, Charley will be remembered most for urging them to give back more than they received or as he always said… “pass it on”. Charley was an avid sailing enthusiast and enjoyed sports, dogs, and a good laugh (often poking fun at himself!). He loved people, especially his family, and showed his love and pride for his wife and 3 sons by always sharing stories of their successes. He is survived by his devoted wife of 41 years, Carolyn M. Brown (C. Moore); sons, Charley Brown III, Chris Brown (Cary), and Corey Brown (Kerri); grandson, Jonathan; and sister Ann Ballard. A Celebration of Charley’s Life will be held at a later date. Arrangements are under the care and direction of Hardage-Giddens Funeral Home of Mandarin, 11801 San Jose Blvd. Jacksonville, FL 32223. www.hgmandarin.com (904) 288-0025.