R. Fred Brown, Jr.
June 6, 1918 ~ February 10, 2011
Resided in:
Asheville, NC
Asheville ~ R. Fred Brown, Jr., longtime local radio announcer and sportscaster, died Thursday, February 10, 2011 at his home, he was 92.
Mr. Brown was born in Durham, NC on June 20, 1918 and lived and worked in Asheville most of his life.
He graduated from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill in 1942 where he was a member of the Pi Kappa Alpha fraternity . He completed his graduate studies at Northwestern University in Illinois.
Mr. Brown began in the radio business in the early 1940's. In the days before live broadcast of the Asheville Tourist baseball games were available he "re-created" the game using sound effects and play by play information from AP wire feeds. Best known for his deep, rich voice he retired from WWNC radio in 1992 after 23 years with the station. An avid sports fan and supporter he interviewed numerous coaches, players, drivers throughout Western North Carolina and beyond.
He was involved in many charitable organizations over the years, including the Lions Club, Sertoma Club, Jay-Cees, Eliada Homes to name a few. He proudly served his country in the Army Air Corps during WW II. Mr. Brown was a longtime member of First Presbyterian Church in Asheville. He was preceded in death by his father Rev. Robert F. Brown, Sr.; mother Sallie E. Slack Brown.
He is survived by his daughter. In the words of one of his heroes "God Bless…..so long, - and thirty".
A memorial service will be held 6:00 PM Tuesday in the chapel of Groce Funeral Home East Asheville on Tunnel Road with Rev. Fr. Demetrios Iliou officiating. The family will receive friends from 4:00 – 6:00 PM Tuesday prior to the service.
Burial will be held Wednesday in Why Not Cemetery in Seagrove, NC.
Deep and profound gratitude is expressed to Dr. J. Cargill and the staff of Asheville Urological Associates, to special friend Jenny Campbell at Asheville Urological, to the CarePartners Hospice staff and to Rev. Fr. Demetrios Iliou.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Why Not Memorial Association, PO Box 120, Seagrove, NC 27341.
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Dear Alisa, Please accept my love and sympathy in the death of your father. You have been a very dedicated daughter/nurse! I know he appreciated your love and care!
We will love you forever and ever. We will miss you Mr. Fred.’
Christel and Ruby
I remember Fred with fond memories at WWNC when I was growing up in the 60s. That was when WWNC had good sense. I also lived near Fred in Redwood Forest in the 80s. My deepest sympathy to his family.
Gerry Huntley
Fairview, NC
My deepest sympathy to the Brown family. Fred was a true broadcast professional who taught me so much in our years together at WWNC. A pioneer in Radio and Television.
Dear Alisa, My deepest sympathy in your time of loss.Please remember you are in my thoughts and prayers always.
My prayers are with you. Although I never worked with Fred directly at WWNC, I have been in the business for 36 years. I respect his professionalism and he was an awesome announcer. He will be missed.
It was sad to learn of Mr.Brown’s passing. He would come to our football games and interview our players making them feel 10′ tall! It was always a treat to seeing him coming across the field! Peace and Grace upon you at this time, but what wonderful memories you must have.
Most sincerely,
Ron Bromley
Asheville School
Alysa,
I was honored to have known Fred. I will never forget him sharing his UNC-Chapel Hill Basket Ball tickets with me. He was so blessed to have you for a daughter. Know I am praying for you. Love, Norma