William Brown
November 22, 2017
William (Bill) C. Brown, 76, was born on December 21, 1940, to Cecil and Tommie Brown in Henryetta, OK. He passed away on November 22, 2017. He and his wife, Sharon (Payne) Brown were married for 56 years. He completed his bachelor’s degree in zoology and his master’s degree in general science at Oklahoma State University, where he also completed the MBA degree. Following graduation, he was commissioned a 2nd Lieutenant in the U.S. Army. His military service was exemplary, serving from 1962- 1983 in England, Germany, Turkey, Vietnam, and Korea, as well as state side. Among the awards and commendations he received were the Bronze Star Medal (oak leaf cluster), the Meritorious Service Medal (oak leaf cluster), Joint Service Commendation, Army Commendation Medal (oak leaf cluster), National Defense Service Medal, Army Service Ribbon, and Republic of Vietnam Commendation (oak leaf cluster). After completing his tour of duty in Vietnam, Bill returned to OSU as an assistant professor of military science and director of instruction for the ROTC program, which he considered to be the highlight of his military career. After retiring from the U.S. Army, he pursued a career in accounting, serving as a business manager and teacher of accounting courses at Central Texas College. He also worked as an auditor for state and international campuses. In additional, he used his accounting background as chief services officer at the Texas Department of Health in Austin, TX. He also served as an assistant manager at Fountain Grove Wildlife in Missouri. In 2000, Bill and Sharon retired to Stillwater where he was as business manager of Elite Repeat, manager of Storehouse at First United Methodist Church, as a member of the OSU Emeriti Association, the OSU Alumni Association, and Methodist Men. In addition, he earned the Eagle Scout rank. Bill is survived by his wife Sharon, daughters, Dana Mallett (Don) and Tammi Pitts (Robert), and son Danny. He is also survived by three grandchildren, two great-grandsons as well as by sisters Bobbye Amos (L.B.), Patricia Sharp (Jim), brother Richard, sister-in-law Sandy Winfrey (Gary) and brothers-in-law Mike Payne and Pat Payne (Judy) as well as by several nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents and a granddaughter Sonya Patterson, wife of Brant Patterson.