Joe Ross "J.R." Brown, Jr., a beloved father, grandfather, great-grandfather, and friend, passed away peacefully at his home on Saturday, June 22, 2024, at the age of 99. J.R. was born on June 20, 1925, in Collinsville, Oklahoma, to Joe Ross Brown, Sr. and Edna (Wayburn) Brown.

Arrangements have been entrusted to the care of Mobley-Groesbeck Funeral Service of Sand Springs. Visitation will be held from 12-5 p.m. on Friday at the funeral home. The funeral service will be held at 10 a.m., Saturday, June 29, at Mobley-Groesbeck Funeral Home Chapel, with Pastor Rick Cope officiating. J.R. will be laid to rest with military honors by the U.S. Army at Woodland Memorial Park.

J.R. married his high school sweetheart, Betty Geneva Surrett, on September 30, 1944, in Sand Springs, just before leaving to report for duty with the United States Army. They made their home in Prattville, where they raised their daughters, Kathryn and Carol. Betty preceded J.R. in death a couple of months after their 78th wedding anniversary on December 18, 2022.

J.R. began his education at Wild Horse and later transferred to Osage High School, where he was an avid athlete, playing basketball, baseball, softball, and volleyball. His service in the U.S. Army during WWII was marked by his bravery and dedication, serving as a medic in the European Theater of Operations with the 81st hospital unit. He played a significant role as a liberator at Dachau, Germany.

After his military service, J.R. became a skilled building contractor, engaging in land development, real estate, and later operating car washes. Known for his creativity and craftsmanship, he built the family home in Prattville and was a go-to resource for home architecture and building advice. J.R. moved to Norman at the age of 90 to be closer to his daughter, Carol.

A man of great faith, J.R. was a longtime member of Angus Church, where he contributed generously and actively participated in the community. He enjoyed fishing, hunting, woodworking, and tending to his vegetable garden and fruit trees. With a big personality and a loving, jokester spirit, J.R. was social and outgoing, always ready to help others and deeply concerned about their futures. He traveled extensively across the United States with Betty, creating cherished memories.

J.R. is survived by his daughters: Kathryn Rawlings of Cascais, Portugal, and Carol White and her husband, Dennie, of Norman. He leaves behind a legacy of love through his grandchildren: Amy Rawlings, Erin Rawlings, Lindsay Gunn and her husband, Andy, Morgan Gomez and her husband, Dionisio, and Zac Weaver and his wife, Addie; as well as eleven great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his wife, Betty; his sister, Francis Davis; and his parents.

Memorial contributions may be made to Angus Church in honor of J.R.'s deep faith and commitment to his church community. Angus Church, 4401 S. 129th W. Ave., Sand Springs, OK 74063.

J.R.'s presence will be greatly missed, but his legacy of love, faith, and craftsmanship will continue to inspire those who knew him.

Leave your memories of J.R. and view his tribute at www.mogro.co.