William Edison “Billy” Brown, Jr., 77, of Fitzgerald, Georgia, died Thursday, October 1, 2026, at his residence.
A private memorial service will be held at a later date. The family will greet friends at 133 Selma Way on Friday & Saturday afternoon for anyone that would like to stop in and tell a story about Billy.
Billy was born September 22, 1949, in Fitzgerald, Georgia to the late William Edison Sr., & Lottie Catherine Williams Brown. Throughout his life, Billy was known as a hardworking man who was never afraid to put in an honest day's work. From a young age, Billy worked in the fields, picking cotton and working tobacco crops. At approximately 16 years old, he began working in a cotton mill, alongside his parents. His early years of hard work helped shape the strong and determined man he would become.
Billy went on to spend many years working with his hands and providing for his family. He worked in sheet metal, drove big trucks coast to coast, and owned & operated Brown's Station from approximately 1980 to 1983. From 1983 to 1985, he worked in the logging industry. Beginning around 1986, he began pulling mobile homes, continuing that work through approximately 2000. From 2000 to 2004, he worked pulling containers, continuing until he became disabled.
Billy’s life was defined by hard work, perseverance, and dedication. He spent much of his life working with his hands and doing whatever was necessary to provide and carry on. Most of all his daughters were his pride and joy and the three greatest accomplishments of Billy’s life. They were his legacy and a lasting part of him that will live on.
He will be remembered for the life he lived, the work he accomplished, and the people whose lives he touched.
He is survived by his children: Stephanie Tucker of Douglas, Jodi Paul & Rodney of Fitzgerald, and Amy Owens & Michael of Fitzgerald; grandchildren: Dalton Paul, Elisha Tucker, John Michael Owens, Judd Owens. Amelia Owens and Paris Paul. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife of 48 years, Anita Hughes Brown.
Paulk Funeral Home, Fitzgerald, is in charge of arrangements.